Clippers Dominate Preseason Opener, But Defensive Concerns Linger
Clippers Cruise Past Loong Lions in Preseason Debut
The LA Clippers kicked off their 2025-26 preseason campaign with a decisive 142-95 victory over the Guangzhou Loong Lions on Thursday night. The game, played at Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California, showcased the Clippers' offensive firepower as they overwhelmed their Chinese Basketball Association opponents.
Led by veteran stars Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul, the Clippers' starters set the tone early, jumping out to a 40-24 lead after the first quarter. Newcomer Bradley Beal also made his presence felt, scoring 18 points on efficient 7-of-11 shooting.
"It's always good to get that first game under your belt," said Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue. "I thought we did a good job of setting the tone early and getting out in transition. Now we can start fine-tuning things as we get ready for the regular season."
Defensive Lapses Raise Concerns
While the Clippers' offense hummed along, their defense showed some concerning cracks, particularly in the first half. Former All-Star Victor Oladipo, playing for the Loong Lions, carved up the Clippers' defense for 24 points, exposing some of the team's perimeter vulnerabilities.
"It went well. These games are always tough," Leonard said of the team's defensive performance. "You don't know who you're guarding... just got to keep building for it."
Lue acknowledged that the Clippers have work to do on the defensive end, despite the lopsided final score.
"We allowed 14 points in the last 90 seconds of the first half," Lue said. "That's an area we need to clean up. These preseason games are about building habits, and that's something we'll focus on going forward."
Depth and Versatility on Display
One of the Clippers' key offseason additions was veteran forward John Collins, who brings additional size and scoring punch to the frontcourt. Collins showcased his well-rounded game, finishing with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Lue also praised the development of the Clippers' younger players, including rookies Patrick Baldwin Jr. and Jahmyl Telfort, who provided valuable minutes off the bench.
"It's crazy, because all of the young guys have improved," Lue said. "It's gonna be a tough decision. They've been working all summer to get better. Even during the summer, (they) kicked the older guys' butt a few times."
The Clippers' depth and versatility will be crucial as they navigate a grueling 82-game schedule and aim to make a deep playoff run.
TL;DR
- The LA Clippers cruised to a 142-95 preseason victory over the Guangzhou Loong Lions, led by strong performances from Kawhi Leonard, Chris Paul, and Bradley Beal.
- However, the Clippers' defense showed some concerning lapses, particularly in the first half, as they allowed the Loong Lions to score 14 points in the final 90 seconds before halftime.
- The Clippers' offseason additions, including John Collins, have added depth and versatility to the roster, which will be crucial as they look to compete for an NBA championship.
- Head coach Tyronn Lue was impressed with the development of the team's younger players, noting that they've been pushing the veteran starters during the offseason.