NBA Restart: How reworked rosters will shape the Western Conference
By Kyle Craib
2nd: LA Clippers (⇆)
The LA Clippers were starting to worry me there for a second.
Starting up with scrimmage play, the Los Angeles star offseason acquisition Kawhi Leonard suited up for the team for the first time in four months. In three games, the rust showed, as he shot the ball poorly and was not able to get into a rhythm like so many of us are used to seeing.
Well, that’s the last time I read too far into a scrimmage.
Leonard snapped himself out of the slump Thursday night in the first official game for the team against the Lakers, putting together 28 points and sinking 3-4 of his 3-point shots. Fellow Clippers star Paul George was looking back to his old form, putting together a solid shooting night himself scoring 30 on 64.7 percent shooting.
Despite their efforts, the Clippers came up short in the battle of Los Angeles, losing 103-101.
Missing in action in the lineup Thursday, Montrezl Harrell was away from the team dealing with a personal matter. Lou Williams was also absent, currently serving a 10-day quarantine after an investigation found that he ventured to the “Magic City” strip club during an excused absence from the bubble.
Lou Williams’ response to Kendrick Perkins comment pic.twitter.com/KHYQ7weaDz
— League Alerts (@LeagueAlerts) July 27, 2020
Pat Beverley, who left the Orlando bubble for an emergency matter, has since returned and played well during Thursday’s matchup. The guard put up 12 points while being his usual self on defense; an absolute pest.
Over the break, the Clippers added some frontcourt depth with the signing of Joakim Noah, former Defensive Player of the Year. Noah was last seen in the league in a brief stint with the Grizzlies, however, his veteran presence and experience will be useful especially as the playoffs approach.
With the extra time off, Los Angeles has been using the practice time to bring new teammates like Noah and Reggie Jackson up to speed with their systems.
If the Clippers want to battle the purple and gold for the top of the West, their depth has to perform on a consistent basis to support the likes of PG and the Klaw.