Despite the concerning errors within the first few games, the LA Clippers responded immediately, as they are currently on a three-game win streak. The team appears to be showing relentless effort on both ends of the floor, leading to more opportunities to make a play. While the two-way stud Kawhi Leonard is dealing with knee stiffness, his superstar teammate Paul George has flipped the switch to several notable performances.
Following the loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, George mentioned in his post-game press conference that he would be better moving forward. Furthermore, he has kept his promise as the Clippers now stand at 5-4. George will also be in the mix for the Western Conference player of the week.
“We gotta raise the intensity on both sides. It starts with me. I was poor tonight, been poor the last couple games. I’ll get it together. I’m committed to my work.”
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) October 30, 2022
Paul George on the Clippers struggles pic.twitter.com/FEK2lxZ1CT
In the Clippers’ first match-up against the San Antonio Spurs, George finished the night with 32 points and six assists on 11-16 from the field and 4-6 from three. In addition, he had a +16 +/- in 38 minutes of playing time. This was one of the many extravagant performances George has had this season as he backs up how scary the LA Clippers will be once Leonard and the squad return to total health.
Not to mention, the post-dominant big man, Ivica Zubac, had another All-Star-worthy stat line. He closed out the win with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks while shooting 80% from the field through 36 minutes on the court. Without countless rotational pieces, Zubac has stepped up as the Clippers’ second-option next to George.
There will be no stopping the LA Clippers once they retain a fully healthy roster.
Although the LA Clippers turned the ball over 16 times, their shooting splits were at a season’s best. The Spurs were clueless about stopping the game plan of head coach Tyronn Lue as the team shot 52.5% from the field and 45.5% from the three-point line. This is a decisive step in the right direction when considering how the season began.
While fans should not expect these efficiencies on a nightly basis, the LA Clippers proved that they are nearly unstoppable when they are at their best. In addition, the Spurs were also out-rebounded, which is another motivating sign for the Clippers heading into their upcoming match-ups.
Another player who has yet to disappoint thus far is the play-making point guard, John Wall. Along with George and Zubac, Wall had one of his best performances of the season through nine games. Not only did Wall drop 15 points and six assists, but he had zero turnovers in the highest minute-share he has received all year.
Moreover, the LA Clippers’ next contest is against one of the league’s most surprising teams, the Utah Jazz. Lue will need more from players outside Wall, George, and Zubac if they want to extend their win streak to four games. However, if the Clippers hustle on defense and crash the glass, they should have no problem winning their sixth game of the year.