2 weeks Ago By Christian Alamodin, Hardwood Heroics
The Los Angeles Clippers are looking into a tough start to their 2024-25 campaign, with some fearing that they would have to rebuild in the middle of the season if things head south for their championship aspirations. Kawhi Leonard is a huge reason behind the uncertainty surrounding the team during their first season at Intuit Dome. The two-time NBA champion is predicted to not play until 2025.
Some analysts and fans, the loudest critic being Stephen A. Smith , called the forward for his lack of passion and availability for the squad. However, the roster that was a shell of its 2023-24 self must pick themselves up and prepare for a season where they would lose more games than expected.
One of the team’s mainstay players will be looked upon to contain the reigning MVP in their upcoming game. Ivica Zubac ’s responsibilities against Nikola Jokic will be the key for the Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets Ivica Zubac is not the usual focal point of the Clippers offense.
However, he took on more offensive responsibility in Harden’s absence during the team’s narrow 116-113 loss to the Phoenix Suns. While Clipper Nation will be hoping that he replicates his 21-point, 9-rebound outing against the Denver Nuggets, his defensive capabilities against Nikola Jokic will be the focal point in their first matchup this season. Per Athlon Sports’ Andrei de Guzman : Nikola Jokic tallied a triple-double stat line of 16 points, 13 assists, and 12 boards to lead Denver in their losing effort against OKC.
He is expected to channel a much more aggressive display against Los Angeles. Will Ivica Zubac be ready to embrace the challenge? That would be a huge question mark. Zubac will have a tough task ahead of him as Jokic completely owned the Croat big on the hardwood the last time they met.
The Serbian giant averaged 30.0 points, 16.0 rebounds, and 9.
7 assists against him in the three games they played last season, according to StatMuse . Nobody expects Zubac to defensively take Jokic out of the game. However, the Los Angeles Clippers have a better chance of winning if he at least neuters his offensive production to 20 points.
Given how they struggled against the Thunder in their season opener, there’s a good chance Zubac can pull it off. This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission..
