The Clippers Ivica Zubac has been recording impressive stats so far. With a stellar start to the season, can Zubac keep this play going? Closing in on one month through the NBA season, and there are a few surprises being shown throughout the league. Zubac is on track to have a career year for the Los Angeles Clippers. Head coach Tyronn Lue has led his squad to a 6-6 record thus far. But, throughout his time with the Clips, Lue has relied on Zubac to have a strong presence within the Clippers rotation. The 7-foot center has stepped up, and there seems to be no signs of slowing down for the Croatian big.
Ivica Zubac on Track for Career Year with Clippers
The Clippers have a good history with intimidating paint protectors in past years. DeAndre Jordan, Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, and the late great Bill Walton are prime examples. Zubac is cementing his name as one of the best big men to wear a Clippers uniform. His consistency and ability to become quite the x-factor offensively and defensively is only improving more and more.
As of November 14, Zubac is on pace to have his best numbers through a season. He’s averaging 16.2 points a game, by far his best scoring season. Zubac is also third in the league in rebounds, grabbing 12.3 per game. Only trailing the Kings’ Domantas Sabonis and the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic, Zubac has been holding down the paint for the Clippers. He is also third in the NBA in offensive rebounds, with 4.2 per game. Overall, Zubac has been playing and contributing to the team more than ever.
What’s Next for Zubac and the Clippers?
It certainly helps that Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard has yet to play a minute this season. However, Zubac is taking advantage of his time on the court. Being fed the ball by James Harden and Norman Powell having a career year of his own, the offense is winning ball games. On Wednesday, in a loss against the Houston Rockets, Zubac’s double-double streak came to an end. He had a great stretch of games, putting up at least 13 points and 12 rebounds in three straight games prior to Wednesday.
Coming up for Zubac and the Clippers is their first NBA Cup game in Houston on Friday. LA will play a second game in Houston after a 111-103 loss to the Rockets on Wednesday. Zubac’s performance against the Rockets was not the level he’s currently playing. Only contributing eight points, six rebounds and a block, he looks to shake off Wednesday’s loss and bounce back in a more meaningful game for the Clippers.
Consistency is Key
Consistency will definitely be the main question concerning Zubac as the season continues to play out. Can Zubac, barring injury and fatigue, play a very critical role for the Clips with how he is currently playing? He’s played at least 68 games in each full season with the Clippers after the trade from the crosstown rival Lakers. If he can keep up with that pace and record the same double-double numbers he has been, it’ll be a big year for “Zu.” Coach Lue can surely trust Zubac into becoming a crucial factor that leads LA to a hopeful playoff appearance.
