There are still plenty of questions surrounding this LA Clippers team, but one area where they can not be doubted is in defensive intensity. Through four preseason games, the Clippers have shown us that they will be a defensive minded-team this season, and that they will afford themselves the chance to win games purely from their defensive efforts.
With Kawhi Leonard sitting out all of preseason, LA has had to determine what they will look like without their best player on the floor. So far, that has looked like honing in on defense and locking down on their opposition.
The Clippers beat the Dallas Mavericks 110-96 on Monday night for their third win in four preseason games. They have held three of their four opponents below 100 points thanks to some masterful individual and team defensive efforts. A few key defensive stats serve to highlight just how dominant the Clippers have been during preseason so far.
Clippers had some ridiculous differentials tonight vs Mavericks:
— Law Murray 🏟️ (@LawMurrayTheNU) October 15, 2024
- 39-23 off turnovers
- 62-36 in paint
- 36-21 on fast break
The points off turnovers and fast break points, along with 20 steals, are most any team has had all preseason.
The Clippers' defensive intensity has been high
Firstly, LA scored 39 points off of turnovers against Dallas, which is the highest number any NBA team has accumulated during a game this preseason cycle. Secondly, they racked up 36 fast break points, also the highest of any NBA team in preseason. Those that watched the game saw plenty of lobs being thrown and high-flying dunks being finished.
Thirdly, the Clippers picked up a ridiculous 20 steals against the Mavericks. Which, once again, was the most of any team this preseason. The fact that LA notched three record stat lines in one game against Dallas is a big indicator of just how far their defense may be able to take them this year.
This team is just beginning to figure out who they really are, and that challenge is compounded by the absence of Kawhi Leonard. Being able to excel at the defensive end like this is huge, and it speaks to the defensive personnel the Clippers have on board.
Kris Dunn was looked at as one of the Clippers' biggest defensive assets all summer, and he has not disappointed to this point. He picked up two steals and a block against Dallas in just 20 minutes of action. Kevin Porter Jr., Nic Batum, Kai Jones, James Harden and Ivica Zubac all contributed multiple steals as well.
These numbers all point to the power the Clippers have in depth. The bench has clearly been upgraded in a big way, and this team will have some exciting defensive potential this season.