It was only 12 minutes, but it was plenty of time to show just what the Clippers do well this season and where they struggle.
In the first quarter of the Clippers’ dramatic 105-103 win against the Pistons Monday night in Detroit, the Clippers were great when they did what they do great. And, unsurprisingly, they struggled when they got away from it.
Here’s what worked: the Clippers’ starting lineup entered the game with tremendous energy and execution. The result was open looks for their shooters thanks to lightning ball movement and exploitation of mismatches.
Seven of the team’s first 11 shots went in, and the Clippers led by double digits within minutes.