The Clippers closed out their preseason with a bang, proving that even without their star power, they've got serious depth! Friday night's game against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center offered a golden opportunity for some less-heralded players to shine. With seasoned veterans like Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Chris Paul, Brook Lopez, and Nicolas Batum taking a breather, the stage was set for others to step up.
Bradley Beal, eager to knock off the pre-season rust, made a strong showing, scoring 12 points in just 15 minutes of the first half before heading to the bench. But the real story of the night was Kobe Sanders, who exploded for 25 points. Sanders' performance included impressive shooting stats: he went 8 for 15 from the field, including 4 for 9 from beyond the arc, and was nearly perfect from the free-throw line, hitting 5 of 6 attempts. He played a significant 37 minutes, showcasing his endurance and skill.
Adding to the Clippers' success was Yanic Konan Niederhauser, who posted an impressive stat line of 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots. Niederhauser's efficiency was also noteworthy, shooting 5 for 10 from the field and contributing 3 assists in 26 minutes. Cam Christie also made his mark with 12 points in a limited 12 minutes of play. Jordan Miller added 7 points and 6 rebounds, while Kobe Brown contributed 6 points and 9 rebounds.
It's worth noting that Ivica Zubac, Derrick Jones Jr., and Kris Dunn, along with Beal, also ended their night at halftime. This game was Beal's sole appearance during the Clippers' four preseason games.
But here's where it gets interesting: the Clippers' season opener is set for Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. With the regular season just around the corner, the question is: can the Clippers' bench players maintain this level of performance when the stakes are higher? What do you think? Will these players continue to contribute significantly during the regular season, or will the return of the team's stars overshadow their achievements? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
