LA Clippers key #3: Potent three-point shooting
The LA Clippers have been scoring points. A lot of them.
Over the stretch of the Clippers’ six straight victories, the Southern Californians have averaged 123.8 points each game – a figure that would easily rank as the best in the NBA.
Central to this figure has been the side’s production from three-point territory, where they have, quite simply, torched their opposition.
While ranking 16th in three-point shots attempted each game, no one club has bettered the Clippers’ efficiency rate (43.3 percent). Behind this figure lay monumental contributions from Luke Kennard (46.4 percent), George (50.0) and Morris (47.4).
Sustaining a willingness to take – and make – these perimeter shots will be crucial to the prolonged success of a Clippers’ offense relying on their potency from long-range.
Within a free-flowing, spaced halfcourt, it would be imagined that the quality of three-point opportunities will not dramatically wane as the season continues. Production from the likes of Kennard and Morris will grow increasingly more valuable in the latter stages of the season when schemes targeting the exploits of Leonard and George will allow the Clippers’ role players continued open looks.
Outscoring opponents – so far – has been a viable model for success on the Clippers’ undefeated streak. While victories against the Bulls, Pelicans, Kings, Pacers and Thunder perhaps should not provoke wild choruses of applause, an ability to pile up points in a diversified manner will position the Clippers favourably against sides who often rely on their firepower to mask the frailties of their defense.