LA Clippers: Three Things We Learned Vs. The Nuggets

The LA Clippers moved to 2-0 on the season after beating the Nuggets 121-108. Here are three things we learned from watching that game.

I predicted the LA Clippers would be 1-1 at this point in Opening Week, but they surpassed my expectations and pushed to 2-0, having beaten the defending champs and now the team that knocked us out of the playoffs. Let’s take a look at 3 things we learned from the Clippers’ victory over Denver.

LA Clippers Takeaway #1: The Long-Range Attack Continues

Last regular season, the LA Clippers attempted 33.5 threes per game (16th in the league) and made 12.4 (13th in the league). In the playoffs, that dipped to 32.8 attempts (12th out of 16) and 12.1 makes (also 12th).

Against the Denver Nuggets, the Clippers attempted 38 threes and made 19 of them. This is after going 14-40 from three against the Lakers in Game 1.

Of course, we’re in the very early season, but the Clippers project to be a top 5-8 team in three point attempts, which would put to rest the words of a certain Doctor in Philadelphia who claimed that nothing would really change with Ty Lue at the helm.

At the heart of this three point revolution in LA is Paul George, who has now taken 17 threes and drained 10 of them in 2 games. There’s been a conscious effort to get PG rolling early in games, and so far it’s paid off. The $226 Million man has led the team in scoring in both games, and he’s working to show that his contract was worthwhile.

If the Clippers keep up this sort of offense, it opens the floor for guys like Kawhi Leonard, Serge Ibaka and Marcus Morris, who thrive in the midrange that will be freed up in such a system. Drives to the basket will be easier, and as a whole the offense will click better with an increased willingness to attack from three.