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LA Clippers: 3 Things We’ve Learned About the Clippers

By Seth Kimbrell

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers, calls out from the bench during a 128-105 Clippers win over the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on December 30, 2020 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers, calls out from the bench during a 128-105 Clippers win over the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on December 30, 2020 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers celebrates and his basket with Lou Williams #23 and Patrick Beverley #21 during a 128-105 Clippers win at Staples Center on December 30, 2020 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 30: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers celebrates and his basket with Lou Williams #23 and Patrick Beverley #21 during a 128-105 Clippers win at Staples Center on December 30, 2020 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /

LA Clippers: Things We’ve Learned #2 – The Starting Lineup is Incredible

In stark contrast to the struggles of the bench unit, the LA Clippers have an absolutely dynamite starting lineup. Among 5 man lineups that have played at least 100 minutes, the combination of Beverley/George/Kawhi/Batum/Ibaka is second in the league in net rating and first in the league in defensive rating. Our starters are allowing a paltry 97.1 points per 100 possessions, while scoring 119.8 points per 100 possessions, and they’re the driving force behind the Clippers’ 9-4 record.

Kawhi and PG have been fantastic, as expected, but you have to give a nod to the supporting cast around them in the starting lineup for this incredible start to the season.

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The fantastic performance of Nicolas Batum has been praised plenty already, but there’s always room for a little more. His positive impact has allowed Marcus Morris to come off the bench as he recovers from an injury, which give the reserves some much needed help on defense. Batum also slots in perfectly as a starter; he doesn’t need a ton of shots or plays called for him, and he keeps the ball moving while hitting the shots he needs to.

Beverley has been the defensive pest that he always is while also providing elite level shooting – 44% from three as of this writing. He’s a great point guard to play next to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and he slides nicely into the triangle when the Clippers go to those sets.

Ibaka has really been what we hoped he would be. He’s played solid defense and shot the ball well from outside. He makes the right play most of the time, and having a stretch big like Serge adds a dimension to the team that it was missing last year.

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