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LA Clippers: 5 takeaway’s from first scrimmage

By Nathan Jacobo

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 03: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts after scoring against the San Antonio Spurs at the end of the game at Staples Center on February 3, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 03: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts after scoring against the San Antonio Spurs at the end of the game at Staples Center on February 3, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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LA Clippers Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah LA Clippers (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2. The debut of Joakim Noah

When the Clippers signed Noah just before the season halted, Noah was seen as the third center on the team behind Ivica Zubac and Montrezl Harrell.

With both players out for today’s contest, Noah was inserted into the starting lineup and boy did he do wonders.

Noah has been widely regarded as a solid pick-and-roll man and it showed today. On the Clippers’ first basket today, Paul George found the rolling Noah at the rim for an And-1 opportunity.

His tenacious energy and effort mesh perfectly within the Clippers culture and system. Hopefully, in due time we get to see a lineup that includes Noah, Patrick Beverley, and Marcus Morris Sr. all on the court together.

Must Read. Signing Joakim Noah is a future-proofing move. light

3. Ball Movement and Chemistry

Usually, in an exhibition game, the ball is sticking around as guys are trying to get their shot going or find their groove.

That happened to the Clippers for the first couple of minutes in the first quarter but soon after they trusted each other.

Some possessions included more than 6-7 passes to find an open man but they missed the shot. To see the ball moving across the court today shows flashes of how this Clippers team has gelled during their time in the bubble.

Bringing up Joakim Noah again, his passing IQ was phenomenal today. On multiple possessions, he found the open-cutter (including one pass to Reggie Jackson) and spot-up shooters.

Should Ivica Zubac struggle in the Playoffs, the Clippers now have a serviceable veteran that knows the playbook and can help in spurts.

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