On October 12, the NBA preseason continues with the Los Angeles Clippers hosting the Portland Trail Blazers. Although the game was a preseason, it was fiercely competitive, and the two sides fought until the final moments, and finally the Clippers narrowly won 101-99 with an open dunk. While the warm-up matches didn't matter, the performances of several players in this game were worth paying attention to.
Game recap
After the game began, Jones Jr. of the Clippers scored three points for his team through a layup and free throws, and Grant of the Trail Blazers quickly returned the favor and scored four points in a row. James · Harden, the core of the Clippers, led the team to attack with consecutive three-point shots. Not to be outdone, the Trail Blazers scored back-to-back points to give the two teams a close match in the first quarter, with the Trail Blazers ending the first quarter with a narrow one-point lead.
In the second quarter, Clippers guard Hyland took over the game, and he scored eight straight points to help the Clippers take the lead. However, Portland's Ayton played well, contributing 8 points and 6 rebounds in a single quarter, leading the team to quickly recover the difference. At halftime, the Clippers were still trailing by one point.
The Clippers adjusted their lineup, and Harden did not play. Jones played solidly and at one point helped the Clippers build a six-point lead. Subsequently, the Trail Blazer's Ruppel and Henderson scored back-to-back points to erase the gap again. At the end of the third quarter, the Trail Blazers led by two points thanks to a breakaway from Jabari · Walker.
Heading into a crucial final quarter showdown, the Clippers were led by Jordan · Miller to tie the score. In the final four seconds of the game, Henderson was given a free throw opportunity, but he only made 1 of 2 free throws to tie the game at 99. The Clippers' Kai · Jones received an aerial pass in the final round and completed a dunk to help the Clippers win 101-99.
Henderson's struggle with Klingen
Henderson was seen as the player with a chance to challenge Wembanyama for the top spot, but that prediction seems overblown from the standpoint of this game. Henderson struggled, finishing with 13 points, four rebounds and three assists on just 4-of-16 shooting, along with seven turnovers. His athleticism is unquestionable, but the decision-making and shooting efficiency he shows on the court is disappointing. Last season had a full NBA season, but Henderson's improvement was not significant.
The Trail Blazers drafted Klingen this summer and planned to form an inside and outside combination with Henderson, but the chemistry between the two was clearly lacking in the game. Henderson didn't take full advantage of Klingen's height and interior advantage, and on several pick-and-roll combinations, Henderson failed to pass the ball in time, resulting in Klingen lacking possession. In this game, Klingen only made 5 shots and got 7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block.
In contrast, Trail Blazers center Ayton was more aggressive in this game. He worked hard to improve his shooting ability in the offseason and was more engaged on the defensive end. Ayton was gifted, but he lacked leadership qualities. He was more like preparing for trade value, scoring 8 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals on 4-of-8 shooting.
The Clippers' "Bottom Salary Pick"
James · Harden had a strong first half, shooting 5-of-10 from the field and contributing 14 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal. He created scoring opportunities for his teammates, especially Jones Jr., who scored 16 points on 4-of-8 shooting with an assist from Harden. Jones is expected to replace Paul · George's starting No. 3 position in the new season, and whether he can continue to perform like this will be key in the Clippers' offensive system.
Jordan · Miller continued his good form in previous games, shooting 6-of-12 from the field, scoring 15 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal, especially in the fourth quarter, where he scored 6 points to help the team successfully turn around.
However, the Clippers' brightest player is none other than Kay ·. Not only did he finish the final kill, but he also dominated both ends of the match. Jones shot 4-of-8 from the field and contributed 8 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 5 blocks. His defensive performance was impeccable, showing strong blocking and stealing ability, making him the key to the team's victory. In the past few warm-up games, · Jones has shown his worth many times, scoring 13 points and 5 rebounds against the Nets last time out and contributing 4 points, 6 rebounds and 2 blocks against the Warriors.
So far this season, · Jones has averaged 23.6 minutes per game, contributing 8.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1 steal and 2.7 blocks, shooting 63% from the field. Such a good performance has Clippers fans looking forward to his future.
The jewel of the wasp
Kay · Jones was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 19 pick in the first round in 2021 when his draft template was Siakam. However, Jones' performance at the Hornets has been underperforming, mainly due to off-court issues. He often refers to himself as the "GOAT" (All-Time Player of the Year) and even claims that he is stronger than LaMelo · Ball and LeBron · James on the air, a statement that has sparked discontent within the team. In the end, the Hornets chose to drop the extremely talented player.
Now, the Clippers have signed · Jones with a base salary, and from the current situation, this signing is undoubtedly a successful "treasure hunt". Not only has · Jones been outstanding on the pitch, he has also significantly reduced the number of off-field troubles and he is providing great help to the team from the bench.
Overall, although this game is only a preseason game, the performance of the Clippers players shows the team's potential in the new season. With Harden, Jones Jr., Kai · Jones and others playing well, the Clippers are expected to do better in the upcoming regular season. What do you think of this game and the Clippers' performance? Welcome to leave a message to discuss.