LA Clippers: 3 Things to Watch For Against the Jazz
LA Clippers Focus #3: Can PG Get it Going Early?
A deliberate focus for the LA Clippers has been getting Paul George active early. He’s our leading performer in the first quarter of games, averaging 7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists on .44/.40/.88 shooting, jacking up 3 threes and 2 twos per first quarter.
It’s hard to argue with the results. Getting PG going has been effective for the Clippers; if teams start keying in on George early, that creates shots for Kawhi and all of our shooters, and if they stay honest on our shooters, PG can cook.
Expect Paul George to have the green light early vs. Utah. He’s been our de facto point guard in the early games, and the benefits have been clear for the Clippers. We’re sixth in the NBA in first quarter scoring, and that includes the 13 point stinker against the Mavericks.
An aggressive PG is a good PG. When he gets his three point shot going, it opens up his drive and dish game, and lets him convert some easy looks at the rim. That leads to an easy offensive game for everybody else.
If PG can get his shot falling early, like he has been most of the season, look for the Clippers to build an early lead that they can hang onto for the rest of the game. If not, it could be a long battle for the good guys against the team from Utah.
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