Heading into the regular season, especially after the various injuries were announced, the LA Clippers looked great in several areas, but the bench wasn't expected to be one of them. It was literally composed of a bunch of young players, and Brook Lopez, really trying to make a name for themselves.
However, four games into the year, the Clippers have one of the best benches in the league. They’re among the league leaders in points, three-point percentage, offensive rating, and net rating, plus steals and blocks, and they've been a major reason multiple losses have been relatively close.
If they can keep this up as the Clippers slowly regain their health in the upcoming weeks, LA will start turning heads in the Western Conference.
The LA Clippers’ bench so far has been nothing short of elite
As good as the LA Clippers’ starting five is, the bench is holding the fort and providing spark in every aspect of the game.
Though it’s surely a surprise, Brook Lopez leads the way. He’s filled in for Isaiah Jackson better than anyone could’ve imagined, averaging 14.0 points and 4.8 rebounds, shooting 58.3% from the field, with 1.3 blocks.
Lopez has also been the primary offensive option at times, and he has excelled. He’s truly embraced the sixth-man role, and if he keeps it up, he’ll be in the race for the coveted regular-season award.
The seven-footer isn't alone; Keaton Wagler has really helped. So far, he’s posted 15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.3 steals, shooting 39.1 from three on 5.8 attempts per game.
He might be a rookie, and some are treating him like one, but Wagler is definitely not playing like one. The composure, offensive gravity, and defensive tenacity have been on full display since day one.
When talking about dominance and the ability to manage a game from the Clippers’ bench, it would be wrong to leave out the impact Gradey Dick and Kobe Sanders have had.
They do much of the same: knock down three-pointers, apply pressure when needed, and guard their man like there’s no tomorrow.
Together, their efforts have paid dividends. If the Clippers make a few fixes, particularly with Darius Garland and Rui Hachimura, and get Brandon Ingram and Max Strus back sooner than later, they will be a playoff threat in the Western Conference, even if it doesn't look like it on paper.
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