2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Starts Strong
Despite Harris filling up the stat-sheet and Gallo scoring well, the most impressive Clippers player on the floor at times was the rookie, Gilgeous-Alexander. After a shaky first few possessions, SGA slowed down and was an absolute terror for the second unit.
For the game, SGA put up 10 points, 4 assists, 4 steals and a block on an efficient 3-6 from the field and 4-5 from the foul line. He could get anywhere on the floor with his dribble and utilized a litany of hesitation moves, stepbacks and off-screen actions to release himself from his defender and get open shots.
He looked confident with the ball and knows how to use his length on both ends to his advantage. While he didn’t put up a three, his mid-range shot looks improved and he’s not shy in taking it.
Perhaps the most impressive stat of the night was the four steals he gobbled up. He was able to read passing lanes well for a rookie and picked off a few. He straight up ripped Jerome Randle at the top of the key on a possession and finished with no one around him.
With lateral and vertical speed like a compact point-guard but length like a forward, SGA is an anomaly and it’s no wonder the Clips were so high on him in the draft. If he can keep up this high level of defense going into the year, SGA will push Beverley for the starting role and be a problem for teams’ second units when not starting.
Next Up: Takeaway No. 3
