This Friday night was business as usual for the LA Clippers as they took out their Pacific Divisional rival Sacramento Kings by a 138-100 score.
The LA Clippers were able to do pull of a win last night without two of their biggest role players in starting point guard Patrick Beverley (personal) and shooting guard Lou Williams (hip). The Kings have not beaten the Clippers in their own home court since March 19th, 2013 when they won by a 116-101 score.
There were serious concerns for the Clippers going into the game with both Beverley and Williams out. Reggie Jackson, who had not played since the Clippers’ 115-105 at the Golden State Warriors one week before the game against the Kings, was set to start. They also needed some bench players to step up for the loss of scoring potential with Williams’ absence.
Defensively, there were concerns about defending the high-scoring potential of point guard De’Aaron Fox or power forward Marvin Bagley III against the Clippers. However, the Clippers held the Kings to a field-goal percentage of 47.1% as well as a three-point shooting percentage of 30.8% (8-of-26).
None of the players for the Clippers were in the negative in their on-the-court differential. This was a game where the starters for Los Angeles held a completely dominant offensive performance while the bench gained experience and some momentum going forward.
This was the most lopsided win for Los Angeles in their 13 games so far this season. This was also the worst loss of the season for the Sacramento Kings this season. Here are three takeaways from the Clippers’ dominating win over the Kings.
LA Clippers Takeaway # 1: Reggie Jackson and Terance Mann Had A Breakout Game
Going into Friday night in Sacramento, Clipper Nation had serious concerns for Jackson coming in as the starting point guard in replacement of Patrick Beverley, on both sides of the court. This was a game where Jackson had to orchestrate the offensive side of the ball for star forwards Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. He also had to play at his best in his weakest area of playing ability, which is to play tight defense on De’Aaron Fox.
Jackson played very well on the offensive side of the ball as he set up great scoring situations for the Clippers’ offense. He played one of his best games of the season in his handling of the ball; Jackson tied a season high with 11 points, shooting 4-of-9 from the field and 3-for-6 from the three-point arc. He also accounted for four rebounds, three assists, and one steal. He didn’t turn the ball over in the game, and he put the man he was guarding in tough scoring situations.
This was a highly productive game for second-year guard Terance Mann, who was asked to step up by head coach Ty Lue in the absence of Williams. Mann played one of the best overall games in his short career in the NBA. He scored 13 points, which is by far his best of the season, shooting 5-for-8 from the field and 2-for-3 from the three-point arc. Mann also accounted for nine total rebounds (four on offense), one assist, and three steals.
This was a huge game for both Jackson and Mann as there were signs from Clipper Nation that they were close to giving up on the potential of their impact towards a championship contending team. They now have a solid momentum going forward into the long season.