LA Clippers Focus #2: Can Bev Stay on the Floor?
A big concern for the LA Clippers involves Patrick Beverley. The Clippers are 3 points better per 100 possessions when Bev is on the floor, and 4 points better on defense.
The problem is, Bev is averaging 7 fouls per 36 minutes! That’s an eye-popping number for a guard who makes us significantly better. He’s only played 22 minutes per game so far, and he’s still fouling 4 times each game.
Against a team like Minnesota, who will be relying heavily on guard play from Russell and Anthony Edwards, Bev’s defense is going to be essential.
As is him actually playing a full game. On offense, his floor spacing helps the team so much, and his defense at the guard position lets Kawhi and/or Paul George carry less of a burden.
Also, every minute Beverley isn’t on the floor is a chance for Reggie Jackson to take lead ballhandling duties. It’s better for everybody involved when Bev is on the floor instead of Reggie.
Bev has to get his foul rate down. With no backup guard who can be even a neutral on defense, we need more than 22 minutes per game of Beverley.
Especially in this game, when a couple of early fouls could lead to Lou Williams needing to guard D-Lo. And really, nobody wants that.