New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry called guard Patrick Beverley “as good as anyone on the ball” defensively before Tuesday’s matchup, an assessment the Clippers agree with wholeheartedly.
Beverley has been called for two fouls during the first quarter in each of the Clippers’ first four games.
The early foul trouble comes after the NBA instituted new points of emphasis for its officials that seek to allow offensive players freedom of movement on the perimeter and in the post. That means closer scrutiny on grabbing and holding by defenders.
That emphasis hasn’t applied to all of Beverley’s fouls.