A firework. This first Clippers game, especially the first quarter with its seven dunks, was sometimes spectacular. Serious above all, since it is above all in defense that the Californians made the difference against the young Blazers who are still looking for themselves.
Portland lost seven balls and shot 1/8 at 3-points in the first 12 minutes. Tyronn Lue’s players were focused and energetic. The numerous dunks and the enthusiasm of the public did the rest.
“We have the ability to change in defense, to play small, fast or big,” analyzes Paul George for the Los Angeles Times. “But none of this can work if we don’t bring intensity. We did it in this meeting and it carried us. It makes things easy. And if our activity level is that high, then we should be in the top five defenses. »
Occupy the Top 5 of the best defenses in the league, this is the objective announced before the start of the season by the coach and the Clippers. The Blazers were easy prey for a first, but Los Angeles put in the ingredients. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in the lead.
“They are our two best defenders so seeing them set the tone every night will be excellent news for us,” remarks Tyronn Lue. “I think George was good against Anfernee Simons. With the Blazers scoring late, our defensive performance isn’t as stellar anymore, but overall it’s been excellent and that starts with George and Leonard, who have to lead the charge every game. »
A nightmare for Scoot Henderson
The 38 points scored by Scoot Henderson and his teammates in the last quarter allowed the Blazers to reach 111 points. But for three quarters, they were stifled. The rookie also had a disastrous first quarter of his career.
He lost a first ball alone, after a few seconds, simply by not catching the first pass after the jump ball… Then, pressed by Russell Westbrook, he made a series of failures: an airball, a walk or even a pass totally missed, to display a 0/4 on the shoot and two lost balls at the end of this first act.
“As Lue said, you have to lead by example and be in it from the start”comments Kawhi Leonard, who notably stood out with a strong passage in the first minutes. “To do this, you must either defend on the best player, or communicate whether you are on the weak side or on the bench. »
This first victory is therefore a great promise for the Clippers. “We all have that in mind, we think about it”comments Ivica Zubac, on the importance of defense for this group. “I hope that we will be concentrated in each match, from the start, like in this game, and that we will be the most physical team, the strongest in defense. »
