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Clippers Defeat Philly In Paul George’s Return
Nov 6, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum (33) during the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images|Gary A. Vasquez/Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Clippers Triumph in Paul George’s Return: A Night of Boos and Basketball
November Sixth was a night that was marked on Clipper fans’ calendar the second the schedule was announced. Most of them ready to boo Paul George. As a lifelong Clipper fan, I was there to witness the intense atmosphere firsthand. The crowd’s reaction to George was palpable, with boos echoing throughout the stadium every time he touched the ball. Despite the mixed emotions surrounding his return, the Clippers managed to secure a their first double digit victory of the season, bringing their record back to .500.
Paul George’s Performance and Fan Reaction
George’s return was met with a mix of anticipation and animosity. As he emerged from the tunnel, the Wall’s boos were relentless, a testament to the lingering feelings from his departure. George, however, seemed motivated by the boos, even engaging with the crowd alongside Kyle Lowry. Despite the hostile reception, George delivered a fantastic shooting performance, going 7 for 9 and scoring 18 points in just 24 minutes due to a minutes restriction. His ability to hit contested jumpers was impressive as we had seen time and time again with us, but his turnovers were a reminder of his past inconsistencies as well.
The attendance at the Intuit Dome was a concern, with a lot of empty seats around the arena. The high cost of parking and ticket prices might be deterring fans, a situation that needs addressing to ensure a full house for future games. For reference, the East and West garages are charging 50-70 dollars for Parking. The Clippers’ management should consider making games more accessible to fans, especially with the team’s current dynamics. It is what the franchise’s fan base was built on after all.
Norman Powell Shines
Norman Powell has been a standout performer this season, and his impact was evident in this game. Powell led the team with 26 points, showcasing his scoring prowess and ability to create plays more than ever. He had six assists, his most in any game as a Clipper. His confidence and efficiency were on full display, shooting 80% from the field and 75% from beyond the arc. Powell’s relentless scoring appetite and improved passing have been crucial for the Clippers, making him a key player to watch as the season progresses. He may not be as talented as Paul George, or as good of an overall player. But his shooting appetite is undoubtedly higher. He looks to shoot it and shoot it a lot.
The Clippers’ defense played a significant role in their victory, with active hands and solid rotations disrupting the 76ers’ offense. The team’s ability to force turnovers and capitalize on them was a decisive factor in the game. Players like Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. exemplified this defensive intensity, contributing to the team’s overall success.
The Clippers’ strategy of feeding Ivica Zubac and Powell in the first half, while allowing James Harden to take over in the second, proved effective. Harden’s ability to draw attention and create opportunities for his teammates was instrumental in the win. Despite some defensive lapses in the first half, Harden’s performance improved significantly in the second, helping the Clippers maintain their lead.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Clippers’ strategies and performances, tune into the Locked On Clippers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Clippers Podcast:
- The impact of James Harden’s defensive adjustments
- Attendance issues at the Intuit Dome and potential solutions
- Analysis of the Clippers’ defensive strategies
- The role of Chris Dunn in the team’s success
- A look at upcoming games and what to expect from the Clippers
We’re about 10% of the way through the season, which means we’ve seen enough of the rookie class to make iron-clad judgments on them that will never change. First impression, last impression.
Kidding, of course; sample sizes are still small, and both we and the debutants themselves are learning a ton. Watching this class take their first baby-giraffe steps in the league has been a blast, so I’ve selected four rookies worth discussing.
1) Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies
Edey’s performance has been predictably up-and-down. On the one hand, he’s started to figure out how to defend without fouling. After infamously fouling out in just 15 minutes in his NBA debut, Edey hasn’t accrued more than three infractions in any of his last six games (although he did pick up three in just 15 minutes last night). Opponents are shooting just 55.6% against him at the rim, a better number than Anthony Davis or Rudy Gobert, and they take fewer attempts at the rim when he’s on the court. There’s a slight deterrence factor already at play.
Edey had a game where he went 11-for-12 from the field, but most of his damage has been done on putbacks and dump-offs. He has only generated 13 points on his 21 post-up possessions, a terrible mark, and his beloved hook shot has abandoned him.
Most peculiarly, a man I predicted might lead the league in screen assists has not been nearly as impactful a screener as I expected. Part of that is the Grizzlies leaning a bit away from the pick-and-roll-centric attack they’ve heavily featured in the past, and part is on some junior-high-school-level chemistry with Ja Morant (see here, where Edey whiffs on the screen and then can’t get to the lob quick enough). That said, he’s already mastered the rolling Gortat screen, a key tool for creating space for Morant. Now, he just needs more reps.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Replay Clippers secured a win over the 76ers, showcasing resolve and strategy, despite Paul George facing a challenging reception. (Los Angeles Daily News)
Fans Paul George’s return to the court was met with mixed reactions, reflecting the evolving relationship between fans and the team. (Los Angeles Daily News)
Personnel Owen Phillips of The F5 examines whether a coach can translate their styles between different teams. For example, what trends and principles has Kenny Atkinson instilled in the Cavaliers that we first saw in his Nets tenure?
Analysis ESPN’s Kevin Pelton looks at some early trends, such as the impact Jeremy Sochan’s injury might have on Victor Wembanyama’s offense, the Thunder defense, and more.
Must Read Joseph Casciaro and Joe Wolfond of theScore have 10 observations on the young season, including a look at the Bulls’ blistering pace, KAT’s defensive issues, and much more.
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Zaccharie Risacher’s Big Night Brings Fantasy Basketball Questions
Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (10) shoots over New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the second half at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
In the world of fantasy basketball, player performances can fluctuate wildly, and Wednesday’s games were no exception. While Zach Edey had previously dazzled fans with a standout performance against the Nets, his recent outing was less than stellar. Facing tougher competition, Edey managed just eight points and seven rebounds in 15 minutes. This game served as a reminder that while Edey has potential, consistency is key, and fantasy managers should be cautious about overcommitting to him based on a single strong performance.
On the flip side, Zaccharie Risacher delivered a performance that turned heads and could have significant fantasy implications. Starting for the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher exploded for 33 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks. His shooting was on point, and he contributed across multiple categories, making him a hot commodity in fantasy leagues. With De’Andre Hunter still sidelined, Risacher’s role in the starting lineup seems secure for now, and his ability to fill the stat sheet makes him a valuable asset.
Risacher’s breakout game highlights the importance of monitoring player roles and opportunities. While his previous performances were inconsistent, this game showcased his potential when given the chance. Fantasy managers should consider adding Risacher, especially if he continues to see significant minutes and usage.
As always, staying updated on player performances and team dynamics is crucial for fantasy success. Keep an eye on how these players develop in the coming games, and adjust your fantasy strategies accordingly. For more insights and analysis, be sure to follow the latest episodes of the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Clippers podcasts.
Why Paul George’s Return Is A Huge Night For The Fanbase Paul George’s return to the Los Angeles Clippers is set to be a defining moment in the franchise’s history. As the Clippers face off against the Philadelphia 76ers, fans are urged to express their feelings about George’s departure. Will the Clippers faithful rise to the occasion and show their passion?
How The LA Clippers Blew A 21 Point Lead Against Phoenix The Los Angeles Clippers faced a crushing defeat against the Phoenix Suns, blowing a 21-point lead to lose 115-109. This marks their third consecutive loss in their new stadium. James Harden delivered a triple-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists, yet struggled with six turnovers and fatigue in the final moments. What caused them to blow the lead?
How The LA Clippers Got Upset By Portland In a thrilling showdown, the LA Clippers lost 105-106 to the Portland Trailblazers to move to 0-2 at the Intuit Dome. What went wrong?
