One unexpected Clipper shined against Warriors
By Will Eudy
The LA Clippers just finished up playing five games in a stretch of seven nights. In a league like the NBA, that is a considerable work load to put on athletes of any age. For the Clippers, it has been an especially challenging stretch considering how many players over age 30 they employ.
LA has dropped a few more games than they would like recently, but they are still powering through the adversity. Things are becoming much clearer for this group than they were in the immediate aftermath of the James Harden trade.
On Thursday night in San Francisco, the Clippers performed well despite the loss. But one player in particular put up a surprisingly strong performance. That player was Ivica Zubac.
Ivica Zubac had an excellent night against Golden State
Clippers fans know Zubac is an above average center, even if he does frustrate them at times. But he is something of an odd man out when placed next to Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden in the starting lineup.
Against the Warriors, Zubac put up his third-highest point total of the season with 18 while pulling down 13 rebounds, one off of his season-best. He shot 63% from the floor and even made four of his five free throw attempts.
The Clippers' starting center contributed to what was a well-rounded performance for LA's entire roster. Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, Zubac handled his matchup with Kevon Looney well and held the Warriors' big man to just two points and five rebounds.
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Ivica Zubac has quietly been enjoying one of his best seasons as a pro this year with the Clippers. If he can keep this level of production up, it will do a lot to help LA stay alive in the Western Conference race.