Prior to the season, the LA Clippers were considered championship favourites and through two games, they have played to that level even though one of their superstars is yet to take the court.
Two days after their season opener against the Lakers, the Clippers were in San Francisco for the Warriors' season-opener at the Chase Center, with Kawhi Leonard, Lou Williams and co. spoiling the party with a comfortable 141-122 win, dominating on both sides of the floor.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the Clippers' win:
Clippers impose their will on both ends
En route to 141 points, the Clippers shot 50-of-80 (62.5%) from the field and 18-of-33 from beyond the arc (54.5%). Those are shooting numbers nobody is accustomed to seeing against the Warriors, especially over the past five seasons.
Reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard just played 22 minutes but he finished with 21 points, a career-high nine assists, five rebounds and +27.
Obviously, this is a completely new Warriors team and Steve Kerr knows that pretty well, saying postgame “This is not a one-off. This is the reality. There are going to be nights like this, this year." via per Marc J. Spears.
The huge points total that the Warriors gave up set some records.
The Clippers beat the Warriors 141-122 to spoil Golden State's debut at the Chase Center.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 25, 2019
It's the most points the Warriors have allowed under Steve Kerr (regular season & playoffs) and the most points any team has ever allowed in its 1st game at a new arena (h/t @EliasSports).
Stephen Curry had a rough 23-point night, shooting 2-of-11 from beyond the arc and committing eight of the team's 13 turnovers, with Patrick Beverly and co hounding the perimter all night.
Clippers' bench dominates again
In their win over the Lakers on opening day, the Clippers bench outscored their counterparts 60-19. Two days later, they dominated once again against the Warriors.
The Clippers' reserves outscored the Warriors' bench 68-52 with the Warriors' second unit getting a lot of their points once the lead was out of hand in the final quarter.
Lou Williams led the way with 22 points and eight assists while Montrezl Harrell contributed 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting, adding six rebounds, and three assists. Mo Harkless also chipped in with 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting in 24 minutes.
The bench as a whole shot 24-of-36 (66.7%) from the field and 5-of-12 (41.6%) from beyond the arc.
Clippers' 3rd quarter scoring outburst
In the Lakers game, the Clippers' used a 40-point second quarter to open the game up. They did more of the same today as well.
Scoring 46 points, the visitors shot 62% from the field and recorded 12 assists in the third quarter that saw the Clippers lead by as many as 31. The 46-point total is one shy of a franchise record for most points in a quarter.
Leading by 11 at the half, the Clippers extended that to 24 heading into the final quarter.
Through three days of NBA action, the Clippers now hold a league-best record of 2-0 but coach Doc Rivers knows they still have plenty of room to grow.
“One of our best players is sitting in street clothes still," Rivers said post-game, via ESPN's Marc J. Spears. "Clearly we are going to get better when Paul [George] gets back, but we can't wait either. We are in the West. We have to win games."
