Through the first 22 games of the season, something didn’t seem right with Lou Williams. The three-time Sixth Man of the Year scored in double-digits just seven times in those 22 games, averaging just 9.1 points per game. Having just finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting last season, fans of the LA Clippers weren’t sure what had happened to Lou. The only thing we knew was that we needed him to play like his old self.
Over the last four games, however, we have seen that come to fruition.
Lou Williams is back to playing like both he and the LA Clippers know he can.
Over the last four games, Lou has looked like the player we all know and love. He’s putting up 20.8 points per game, 4.5 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and even 1.5 steals all while shooting 55.1% from the field including 50% from deep on four attempts per game.
That is nothing short of amazing.
Outside of Paul George, who only played in one game over this four game stretch, Lou Will is the most efficient shooter on the team, boasting a 63.3 effective field goal percentage.
Speaking of PG, Lou’s resurgence couldn’t come at a better time. With George’s recent injury, there’s no telling when he’ll be back. So far, the team has ruled him out for only last night’s win over Minnesota and Friday’s contest versus the Chicago Bulls.
Without his scoring, the team badly needed someone to help out Kawhi Leonard. The two players who got paid this summer, Luke Kennard and Marcus Morris, haven’t produced at the levels the team needs. Reggie Jackson has been extremely up and down. Other role players like Serge Ibaka, Ivica Zubac, Patrick Beverley, and Nicolas Batum have been solid but don’t have games predicated on scoring.
There is some logic to even start him until George is able to return.
Lou could help solve the starting unit’s issues while still leading the second unit. The team could start him as the two guard, make him the first player to come out, and then have him back on the floor with a full second unit group. It might be a lot to ask of the 34-year-old guard but if his gameplay stays consistent going forward, it would definitely help to offset George’s absence.
It’s only a four game stretch but there’s no reason to believe Lou cannot continue to do this for the remainder of the season. Lou Williams is back and playing exactly like the LA Clippers need him to. That only serves to make this team that much more dangerous.