The Los Angeles Times’ Andrew Greif observes that Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers’ brightest star, appears to be returning to form, which may be the most positive development in recent weeks for the team. Leonard has averaged 23.2 points and 35 minutes per game throughout the course of the team’s current road trip, despite the fact that his playing time is still somewhat restricted.
I don’t believe that explosiveness has fully recovered yet, nor do I believe that we can fully trust it at this time. But even his decision-making and timing were excellent, according to Clippers coach Tyronn Lue. “I believe his timing of making passes when opponents are double-teaming, making the right read in the right play, is really terrific.
More from the Western Conference is available here:
According to Andrew Lopez of ESPN, CJ McCollum said that he was genuinely going for the Pelicans’ 3-point record. On Friday, McCollum scored 11 points to beat Philadelphia’s previous record for a single game. To be really honest with you, I was simply trying to shoot as many 3-pointers as I could, stated McCollum. McCollum is in the second year of a three-year, $100MM contract and cannot be traded this season.
According to Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News, veteran forward Stanley Johnson has only been on the Spurs’ roster for a little over three weeks, but he already feels it is part of his responsibility to be a vocal leader. Johnson, who was signed to a one-year contract on December 13, stated that “the thing that is consistent with excellent teams is that they are very loud.” “I’m trying to be as vocal as I can and I hope it spreads,”
“The thing that is consistent with good teams is that they are very vocal. I’m trying to be vocal as much as I can, and hope it’s contagious.”
On the newest voice in the Spurs' locker room, striving to be both a learner and a leader:https://t.co/kX6mSSMzok via @expressnews
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) December 29, 2022
According to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic, Suns guard Chris Paul expressed his displeasure with what he perceived as inconsistent refereeing throughout the league. In a defeat to Toronto, a delay of game call was made against Paul. Paul remarked, “It’s hard in this league, especially after playing for so long and getting techs. There is so much power over what you can say and how the rules are interpreted, and so much of it is insignificant. Every night when I play and watch, I see men being called on things. I watch too much basketball, and I don’t see any delays in play when players keep fumbling the ball.
