Seeing Paul George get ahead of Luka Doncic, Derek Lively II, who was floating in the racket, came to the aid of the Clippers winger. Taken by two, this one made the right reading to serve Ivica Zubacwho had taken the preferential position over Kyrie Irving, under the circle.
Results of the operation: two points with the fault. This action at the start of the meeting between the Californians and the Texans perfectly illustrates the domination of the Los Angeles pivot. “ It was definitely the X factor today. In rebounds, in 'scoring' too. We need to be more physical with him and do better », Judge Luka Doncic.
“ Zubac was huge. He dominated Game 1 at center position. They played with him in the post and we didn't get an answer. We have to be better. We talked about Zubac and his ability to score. When it comes to rebounds, we have to make sure there are two of us (to block it), but at the post, we must do better to defend it », adds Jason Kidd.
The latter indirectly points the finger at his two pivots, Daniel Gafford and Derek Lively II, whose cumulative production (6 points on 2/7 shooting and 4 rebounds between them) was eclipsed by that of the native of Bosnia-Herzegovina: 20 points (10/17 on shots) and 15 rebounds.
Daniel Gafford blames himself
“ He gave the first blow and there was no adjustment. Ultimately, I have to do better when it comes to defending on him in the post, in transition “, regrets Daniel Gaffordwho had the misfortune of taking two personal fouls after only three minutes of play.
“ I didn't come here (being ready to) play, honestly. I need to be able to do better in the areas where I was successful throughout the regular season. I need to come here and play playoff basketball », Continues the former Wizards player, who still had an impact in the third quarter.
In addition to rejecting a post attempt from Paul George, he repeatedly hampered Ivica Zubac in her movements in the post. The problem is that the Clippers pivot, well found by Terance Mann, has more than once picked up the crumbs after the missed circle attacks of his teammates.
The defensive problem is therefore collective. And the idea is to prevent a new threat, within a team which does not lack offensive resources, from gaining confidence. “ I felt pretty comfortable at the post and that I could post just about anyone “, poster by the way Ivca Zubacauthor of one of his best career matches in this context.
| Ivica Zubac | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2016-17 | LAL | 38 | 16 | 52.9 | 0.0 | 65.3 | 1.1 | 3.1 | 4.2 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 7.5 |
| 2017-18 | LAL | 43 | 10 | 50.0 | 0.0 | 76.5 | 1.1 | 1.8 | 2.9 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 3.7 |
| 2018-19 * | All Teams | 59 | 18 | 55.9 | 0.0 | 80.2 | 2.0 | 4.2 | 6.1 | 1.1 | 2.3 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 8.9 |
| 2018-19 * | LAL | 33 | 16 | 58.0 | 0.0 | 86.4 | 1.6 | 3.3 | 4.9 | 0.8 | 2.2 | 0.1 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 8.5 |
| 2018-19 * | LAKE | 26 | 20 | 53.8 | 0.0 | 73.3 | 2.4 | 5.4 | 7.7 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 1.4 | 0.9 | 9.4 |
| 2019-20 | LAKE | 72 | 18 | 61.1 | 0.0 | 74.7 | 2.8 | 4.8 | 7.6 | 1.1 | 2.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 8.3 |
| 2020-21 | LAKE | 72 | 22 | 65.2 | 25.0 | 78.9 | 2.6 | 4.6 | 7.2 | 1.3 | 2.6 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 9.0 |
| 2021-22 | LAKE | 76 | 24 | 62.6 | 0.0 | 72.7 | 2.9 | 5.6 | 8.5 | 1.6 | 2.7 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 1.0 | 10.3 |
| 2022-23 | LAKE | 76 | 29 | 63.4 | 0.0 | 69.7 | 3.1 | 6.8 | 10.0 | 1.0 | 2.9 | 0.4 | 1.5 | 1.3 | 10.8 |
| 2023-24 | LAKE | 68 | 26 | 64.9 | 0.0 | 72.3 | 2.9 | 6.3 | 9.2 | 1.4 | 2.7 | 0.3 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 11.7 |
| Total | 504 | 21 | 61.2 | 8.3 | 73.9 | 2.5 | 5.0 | 7.4 | 1.2 | 2.4 | 0.3 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 9.2 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
