In the first half of the season opener for the LA Clippers, Will Hardy, the head coach of the Utah Jazz, was in business mode right from tip-off with a 78-47 lead. This was caused by turnovers, as it seemed like the Clippers could not even check the ball in on the sidelines, but what helped increase their opportunities was the Jazz’s youth and athleticism.
Moreover, guys like Keyonte George, Walter Clayton Jr., Taylor Hendricks, and Ace Bailey made a real impact on live-ball turnovers, which helped significantly in turning defense into offense.
The Clippers were a great defensive team last season, but their challenges on that side of the ball have become significantly tougher to start this season, as they are relying on a group of aging veterans to keep up with quicker opponents.
Meanwhile, the Jazz have discovered a recipe for success that has been apparent throughout the league, showing the Clippers, who are firsthand witnesses tonight, what they need to prioritize when the time is right to make moves.
The LA Clippers should use the Utah Jazz’s historic first-half performance as a lesson
With 78 points in the first half, the Utah Jazz have their youngsters to thank, as the team as a whole is on pace to score an absurd total of 156. They have shot the ball well, but this massive lead has primarily come down to the LA Clippers’ 11 first-half turnovers.
Despite being in a rebuilding stage with a lack of experience on the Clippers, Utah did what they could, after studying the scouting report, and that was contesting every pass made by LA.
Additionally, the Jazz are one of the lengthier squads in the league, and this only plays to their advantage, as they already have a strong foundation built on athleticism.
Thus, an unforgettable lesson was served to the Clippers’ front office, and it should come back around at the trade deadline. Lawrence Frank did well by acquiring John Collins in the summer, but he will need more youthful players who can really jump with strength and agility if his goal is to build a top-seeded team in the Western Conference.
Unfortunately, for now, the Clippers can only try to come back against the Jazz. Though they have been down big all game, until the clock hits zero, a chance remains to end the first game of the season with a win.