Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Clippers(18-12) hit the court today for a practice session as they gear up for an upcoming matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies(10-20).
The Clippers snapped a two-game losing streak in their previous contest against the Charlotte Hornets.
The Clippers will presumably remain without Kawhi Leonard, who practiced a little bit today according to Head Coach Tyron Lue. Leonard has been out the past two games with a hip contusion, as they prepare for a reinspired Memphis Grizzles team who are now 3-1 since Ja Morant’s return.
Lue spoke about how the Grizzles have playing well with their leader back in the line-up.
“Since he has been back they have been playing really good basketball, having their best player their leader back. You see how dynamic they are once he’s come back. Happy that he’s back, Happy that he is doing well. It’s good for the game of basketball to have Ja back”.
Lue spoke about how the Clippers plan to guard Ja collectively by knowing where he’s at on the court at all times, filling the seams and gaps.
Terrance Mann, who will draw the assignment of guarding Ja Morant spoke on how it will be to guard Ja“ Shit it’s not going to be easy. He’s a great player, he’s a dog” Mann said.
Mann, who the Clippers once deemed untouchable in the James Harden trade saga, has struggled shooting from the floor shooting an underwhelming 21.4% from the field. Mann has hovered around 40% from the three-point line in his previous 4 seasons with the Clippers.
Mann talked about his current role with the team and his shooting struggles. “My job is not to do too much. My job is to take the shots that I get on any given night. Whether that’s three shots, whether that’s ten shots. So that’s just what my role is. I got to get better at just making shots.”
After a vigorous schedule throughout December, the Clippers were finally allotted some practice time which coach T.Lue feels has given the team the ability to get better offensively by getting to add new plays because their playbook which has been limited since adding James Harden.
Lue spoke about how having a 6’6 point guard has been doing wonders for the team. “James is good for our team, he keeps our team happy. He’s going to get Zu a couple of dunks, Pg a couple of spot-up threes, hit Kawhi and Norm for shots, while also being able to score on his own.” Lue said.
The Clippers are 15-5 since starting out 0-5 with the acquisition of James Harden. Some could argue that the Clippers might still be on a winning streak if not for the absence of Kawhi Leonard.
