Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 16, 2024 8:27 pm GMT
The Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers faced off in a closely contested game on October 5, 2024, marking their first preseason matchup of the year. Fans packed the stands to witness the excitement, and they were not disappointed as the Warriors narrowly edged out the Clippers with a final score of 91-90.
Thrilling Finish with a Buzzer Beater
In a game filled with intensity, it was Lindy Waters III who stole the spotlight. As the clock wound down, Waters hit a stunning buzzer beater to clinch the victory for the Warriors. His performance was crucial, as he finished with 15 points, making five three-pointers throughout the game. This thrilling finish has set a high bar for the preseason, leaving fans eager for more.
Player Performances
Both teams showcased a mix of established stars and new faces, with individual performances standing out.
Golden State Warriors
- Lindy Waters III led the Warriors with his 15 points.
- Moses Moody contributed 12 points, along with four rebounds and two steals.
- The Warriors demonstrated depth, with various players stepping up to secure their first win of the preseason.
Los Angeles Clippers
Despite the loss, some Clippers players put on notable performances:
- Ivica Zubac had a solid game, scoring 14 points and grabbing six rebounds.
- New arrival James Harden almost had a double-double, finishing with 13 points and eight assists.
- The Clippers, missing star player Kawhi Leonard due to a knee issue, struggled to find their rhythm but showed flashes of potential.
Clippers’ Starting Lineup Choices
Clippers’ coach Ty Lue introduced a surprising starting lineup, featuring James Harden, Kris Dunn, Norm Powell, Derrick Jones Jr., and Ivica Zubac. With key players like Leonard and Nic Batum sidelined, the team had to adapt quickly.
- Kris Dunn started over Terance Mann, which raised eyebrows. While Dunn didn’t contribute significantly to the scoreboard, his defensive efforts highlighted his value on the court.
- the starting lineup’s performance was a mixed bag, with moments of sharp play marred by turnovers and confusion.
Second Unit Struggles
The Clippers’ second unit featured Bones Hyland, Kevin Porter Jr., Terance Mann, Kobe Brown, and Kai Jones. This group faced challenges with cohesion and scoring.
- Hyland and Porter Jr. struggled to share the floor effectively, leading to disjointed offensive plays.
- Kobe Brown stood out by playing the most minutes for the Clippers but came alive mostly in the fourth quarter.
- Coach Lue might need to reconsider how he deploys his second unit, as their inconsistency was evident.
Young Talent and Future Prospects
Two young players, Kai Jones and Jordan Miller, showed potential despite mixed results.
- Kai Jones’ stat line read 4 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks, but his overall performance raised concerns. His efforts on the glass need improvement for him to secure a regular role.
- Jordan Miller’s quieter game, with 6 points and 3 assists, showcased his defensive capabilities. His past performances in the Summer League hinted at his potential contribution to the roster.
Looking Ahead
Both teams leave this preseason game with lessons learned and areas to improve. The Warriors start their preseason strong at 1-0, while the Clippers begin at 0-1.
Fans of both franchises are optimistic about the upcoming games. As the teams prepare for their next matchups, they will look to build on this game experience, work on their weaknesses, and refine their lineups.
In the end, the exciting finish really shows how thrilling basketball can be. Both teams had their amazing moments, but they also have things to work on. As the new season gets closer, fans can’t wait to see what will happen in this competitive NBA season!
