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LA Clippers: Three things to watch for versus OKC

By Ryan Snellings

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 22: Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket while defended by Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first quarter at Staples Center on January 22, 2021 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 22: Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket while defended by Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first quarter at Staples Center on January 22, 2021 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 Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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LA Clippers, Patrick Beverley
LA Clippers Patrick Beverley (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

2. What to watch for from the LA Clippers: Will they be awake?

While Friday was an “easy” game for the LA Clippers, Sunday may prove a bit more difficult. For starters, OKC now has matched up against them and likely have a better feel for the matchup.

They are also a young, scrappy team who shouldn’t be underestimated at any time. That rings especially true for today as the Clippers face them in an afternoon game.

All you have to say to a member of Clipper Nation is “afternoon game” and they will immediately shudder. Fans thought that the longtime suffering of not being able to perform in an afternoon game was over once Doc Rivers was let go but the team still has struggled this season under Ty Lue.

Of course, the Dallas Mavericks loss was the big one but the team also has had tough times against the Chicago Bulls, albeit in a game which they did end up winning.

The Clippers cannot come out lethargic against this young Thunder squad. If they do, the game could get away from them quickly and the team would have to climb out of a hole. Instead, I would love to see them aggressive to start.

This effort might be best led by Patrick Beverley, who had a pretty quiet game on Friday. He’s often one of the more vocal leaders on the team, so seeing him bring some of his energy to start the game would be perfect. An extra possession from an offensive rebound, a dive to save a loose ball, or even just some stellar defense right out of the gate might be enough to energize this team and wake them up on a Sunday afternoon.

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