LA Clippers: 3 things to watch for versus the Phoenix Suns

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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 25: Patrick Beverley #21 of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates after he blocked a shot by LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half of the game at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 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 Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

2. What to watch for from the LA Clippers: Patrick Beverley’s fouls

Patrick Beverley cannot fall victim to himself against the Suns. One of the earliest developments this season has been Beverley’s over aggressiveness.

He’s averaging 5.8 fouls per 36 minutes and often gets himself into foul trouble early. Against the talented guards of Phoenix, that just cannot happen.

Finding the perfect balance between aggressive and reckless is going to be key for Bev. Chris Paul is one of the trickier guards in the league and can easily bait Bev into picking up some cheap fouls. If Bev goes out, that means one of Reggie Jackson, Lou Williams, or Luke Kennard will be in the game early and none of the three are exactly good defenders.

Beverley is actually one of the more impactful players on this roster. In that Jazz loss on Friday, he was plus 21, a team-high. For reference, Kawhi Leonard‘s plus/minus was second with just a plus eight. Beverley only had six points and one rebound but obviously was impactful during his time on the court.

The Clips cannot afford him to be on the bench for the majority of the game, so Bev will have to play with an extra focus if they look to knock the Suns out of first.

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