Throughout the LA Clippers' 21-point season-opener loss versus the Utah Jazz, their lowest moments were in the first half. Not enough effort was put into taking care of the ball, and while everyone thought the team's biggest weakness was transition defense, it was actually their turnovers, which will affect their chances of winning the NBA Finals.
Furthermore, in the first quarter, the Clippers committed nine turnovers. Some were because the Jazz had the edge in length and athleticism, but most were on the LA players themselves, as carelessness and a lack of urgency on the in-bounds were evident.
Thus, the Clippers' hopes of beginning the season perfectly were lost quickly, and soon, if ball security is not preached on by the coaches and practiced repeatedly by the players, they will drop a tier in the Western Conference from championship-contenders to playoff-contenders.
The LA Clippers should turn to Chris Paul for turnover help
With 15 turnovers as a team, a shocking six players recorded at least two last night in the 129-108 road loss against the Utah Jazz. Three were starters, and the remaining were off the bench, adding that neither unit was helping each other out in a game stuffed with disappointment on both sides of the ball.
However, whatever was said by Tyronn Lue after the first quarter helped, somewhat, as in the final three, only six turnovers occurred. This was done mostly through effort, given that the only adjustment that was mandatory was for players to emphasize the speed and accuracy of their passes.
But, in the film room, the veteran who should be talking the most is Chris Paul. He had a turnover last night in just 15 minutes, but in general, he is known to protect the basketball with an absurd assist-to-turnover ratio.
Furthermore, Paul can point out when and where defenses like to reach and attack for steals, so in their game on Friday against the Phoenix Suns, everyone will be prepared for one of the league's peskiest defenders in Dillon Brooks.
Brooks and his coaches will be aware of why the Clippers lost to Utah, and as a result, he will be instructed to be aggressive in the same ways the Jazz were, just to see if there is an update in the game plan.
Yet, if early turnovers are a problem again, with a day of practice today in between to complete the necessary fixing, then fans should begin worrying about this weakness altering the end goal, especially because with the Clippers' experience, it should not exist.