While it is probably true that NBA fans should not give too much weight to a preseason game, the ease in which the Golden State Warriors disposed of the Los Angeles Clippers at Oracle Arena Tuesday night highlights longstanding issues with the Clippers’ gameplay that, left unaddressed, will squash their chances of a championship bid this season.
The Los Angeles Clippers Preseason Struggles
Offense
Offensively, the Clippers have become too predictable in their sets and rely too heavily on isolation ball. That manner of play simply did not work against the Warriors, whose defensive efficiency has only improved with the addition of the lengthy Kevin Durant. Chris Paul and JJ Reddick combined for only three points in the romp, with Jamal Crawford adding only one additional point off the bench. If the Clippers don’t find a way to energize its stagnant offense by spreading the defense and moving the ball, it does not bode well for the 2016-2017 season.
The Clippers were also unable to take advantage of their size and strength in the paint. Blake Griffin contributed only six points, and at times looked hesitant and under-conditioned. The perennially under-utilized DeAndre Jordan added only four more points, with two of those coming off free throws. The Clippers big men were also out-rebounded by the Warriors at both ends of the floor.
As a whole, the performance of the Clippers’ starting five was underwhelming.
Final: Warriors 120, Clippers 75. LAC starters shoot 5-for-20 from the field.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) October 5, 2016
One bright spot for the Clippers was new addition Marreese Speights. In his 17 minutes on the floor, Speights contributed a team-high 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting with two three-pointers. He also pulled down five boards. More than that, Speights added a much needed spark to an otherwise uninspired Clippers squad during his time on the floor. He will certainly be one to watch as the season progresses.
Defense
Defensively, the Clippers simply had no answers for the Warriors. The Warriors’ excellent use of the floor and fast ball movement resulted in countless wide open shots for their sharp-shooting squad. The Dubs shot over 50 percent from the floor and from three-point range, with 29 of their 37 field goals coming off assists. Of course there are limits to how much you can do to stop an offensive juggernaut like the Warriors, but the Clippers often looked confused on defense and were behind on rotations and slow closing out on shooters. Additionally, it did not help that the Clippers allowed the Warriors 30 fast break points; their transition defense was virtually non-existent.
Postgame, Doc Rivers was quick to acknowledge the stark contrast in the intensity of play between the Clippers and Dubs, stating: “I thought we showed up to play an exhibition game, and they came to play a game.” Of course, it’s hard to tell if Rivers was calling out his squad’s poor performance or merely doing damage control by downplaying the impact of the beatdown.
Granted, it’s only preseason and the Warriors’ squad is unquestionably stacked. It may be unfair to read so much into this one game. However, the Clippers have offensive and defensive shortcomings that if not addressed early on will prove problematic for them in battling a number of NBA teams this season, not just the Warriors.
