As the LA Clippers find their way back into the win column, things are finally beginning to make more sense for one of the most talented teams in the NBA. The Clippers' offense hummed like a well-oiled machine Monday night, as they outscored the Spurs in all four quarters of the game.
Much of their success has come from the star players figuring out how best to operate alongside each other. But over the last two games, the Clippers' new backup center Daniel Theis has showed his underrated value as well.
Against the Spurs, Theis scored 19 points on 8-for-10 shooting. He also collected seven rebounds, two assists and a steal as well. He was extremely effective in just 21 minutes off the bench for the Clippers.
The Clippers getting Daniel Theis for free has been an absolute life saver so far.
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) November 21, 2023
The chemistry with him and Russell Westbrook in the second unit has been impressive already.
Daniel Theis has had a massive impact for the Clippers
Just having an extra body that can play at center and do many of the things Mason Plumlee did before he was sidelined has played a huge part in the Clippers improving their play. Before adding Theis, LA was a deer in the headlights when going against talented bigs because they only had one true center on the roster. When Ivica Zubac got in foul trouble, things could get bad fast.
Now, they have a big man who is not only capable but has been thriving in his role thus far. He has been very effective in the pick-and-roll game and has quickly developed chemistry with guys like Russell Westbrook and James Harden.
Add in the fact that the Clippers literally signed him without losing anything, and it is easy to see why Daniel Theis has been such a game changer for LA in a very short amount of time.