Preseason Week ended without a victory for the Clippers, as we watched them drop their preseason finale to the the Utah Jazz and a veritable barrage of three-pointers. Marcus Morris, Serge Ibaka, and Patrick Patterson all sat, but there is optimism that all three could be ready for next week’s season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Game Recap
Preseason game narratives can be distilled to two questions: What happened? What does it mean for the regular season?
With these questions in mind, let’s explore the Clippers’ final preseason contest happening by happening . . .
What happened: The Clippers lost.
What does it mean: Nothing. It’s preseason.
What happened: Paul George scored 16 points, added five assists, and attempted nine free throws in 26 minutes.
What does it mean: It might mean Paul George is fully healthy again and, therefore, more willing to throw his weight around. The embattled swingman is fresh off a mammoth extension and looks . . . fresh. George was in attack mode for much of his time on the floor, and while he bit off some more playmaking responsibility than perhaps he could chew, he looked every bit the dynamic scorer the Clippers need to co-propel the offense.
What happened: The Jazz attempted 52 three-pointers and made 24 (46.2%). Really!
What does it mean: The Jazz are 3-0 and attempted 41 and 39 three-pointers in their first two games before going all D’Antoni tonight. They finished 10th last season in deep tries, so it’s not like they were gun shy or anything. But with Bojan Bogdanovic healthy again and Jordan Clarkson on deck for a full season — the two tied for game highs in points (20) and three-point makes (5) — Utah could be all-in on this newfangled shooting thing. Take cover.
What happened: The Clippers’ preferred starters made their first third-quarter appearance.
What does it mean: Expect them to continue playing into the third quarter. And, perhaps, beyond.
What happened: Terance Mann and Mfiondu Kabengele featured heavily with the second-unit.
What does it mean: It means that the organization expects their 2019 draft picks to be better prepared to make measurable contributions this season. Of the two, Mann (6/3/3 in 22 minutes) looks the better bet for the near future, but that shouldn’t surprise as he booked some real experience last season. The Clippers’ backcourt is deep but there are real arguments to play him before Reggie Jackson. (Cue Lucas nodding.) Kabengele (8/3 and two made three-pointers) still tastes undercooked, but he showed some real moments tonight, including two impressive blocks of Rudy Gobert. A healthy Morris and Ibaka will block his path to playing time, but Kabengele may have grabbed hold of the third center spot with solid defensive play tonight.
What happened: The Jazz assisted on 38 of their 45 made field goals. They turned it over just nine times.
What does it mean: Quin Snyder’s charges looked sharp. The ball rarely stopped moving with them. The Clippers, lively but loose, did a lot of chasing tonight. The Jazz will be a problem. Man, the West could be a bloodbath.
What happened: In 13 minutes, Lou Williams scored 12 points, making both of his threes and all four of his free throws.
What does it mean: Lou Williams can roll out of bed and into a bucket.
What happened: Nicolas Batum pulled down eight rebounds.
What does it mean: Nicolas Batum can do more than jog around. All 213 Hoops meme-ing aside, Batum showed where he can add value. He’s a huge wing with a productive history on the boards, making him a legitimate option at power forward. His wingspan allows him to contest shots from behind, a handy skill when paired with Ivica Zubac’s drop coverage, as he was in tonight’s starting lineup. He’s a smart, and most importantly, a DECISIVE passer — the ball stuck in many hands but rarely in his. There is life still in this basketball player.
What happened: Luke Kennard scored 13 points and splashed three from deep.
What does it mean: As has been written many times, it means that, ideally, the Clippers have replaced Landry Shamet with a player who can replicate his shooting while adding a bit more. Kennard impressed with the variety of his skills, especially with the ball in his hands. (It was in his hands a lot. Remember when I talked about sticky hands?) Ty Lue will be challenged to separate him from Lou Williams, lest he want many repeat showings of Utah’s long-range bombardment, but Kennard brings a new and dynamic element to the rotation.
What happened: Kawhi Leonard (13 points in 22 minutes) converted just two field goals inside the arc.
What does it mean: Kawhi spent most of his time in the second and third quarters trying to unlock his deadly midrange game. It didn’t happen tonight. No bother. His production is the least of the Clippers’ concerns. His contract, on the other hand . . .
What happens next: Clippers vs. Lakers, Tuesday, December 22, 7:00 PM.
What will it mean: The regular season begins. Hopefully the Lakers’ rings won’t be ready in time.
