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The last two Summer League games for the Clippers were rough, to say the least. While the Clippers made an impressive run to keep the score close in their debut loss against the Bucks, the Blazers picked apart their defense and contained their offense in a 20-point victory. The Clippers’ shooting percentage for both games combined? 33.7%. Their three-point percentage? 21.5%.
After those performances, what better way to bounce back than for the Clippers to come out firing on all cylinders to defeat their crosstown rivals? With the proven scoring of Jay Scrubb, along with the offensive potential of playmaking point guard Jason Preston and the athleticism of Keon Johnson, it isn’t a stretch to say that the Clippers have the tools needed to come out with a win. The Lakers should not be treated lightly, however, who already have a Summer League win under their belt. Joel Ayayi’s talent was on full display with Gonzaga this last year, and social media sensation Mac McClung’s fearlessness earned him a training camp contract.
Game Information
When: Friday, August 13, 7 p.m. PT
Where: Thomas & Mack Arena, Las Vegas, NV
How to watch/listen: NBA TV
Opposing perspective: Silver Screen and Roll
The two previous Summer League games for the Clippers highlighted some great parts of the young players’ talents. But this game presents itself as an opportunity for us to see some of the more nuanced aspects of each player’s style of play, as they become more and more used to the speed and physicality of the NBA.
Perhaps we will see Jason Preston’s mid-range scoring ability, with a dazzling array of floaters that he showed off at Ohio St. Or maybe Keon Johnson’s shot starts falling, giving us glimpses into the possible three-level scoring talent that he could become. We may even see Amir Coffey step up and be more of a leader on the court, ensuring the players keep their cool when the going gets tough. Ultimately, the Clippers need to dig deep and utilize the talent they have if they want to come out with their first Summer League win.
Friday’s game highlighting the two LA teams will not be the marquee matchup it would be in the regular season, but it could still be full of surprises. We’ve already seen flashes of what the young Clippers can do, and it’s only a matter of time until they put all the pieces together.