On Sunday, the Los Angeles Clippers played their first game without former franchise star and starting point guard, Chris Paul. The Clippers played well, even though they lost to the Toronto Raptors, 121-113. "Lob City" has two new point guards who will be replacing Paul in the preseason and possibly the 2017-18 NBA season. They are Patrick Beverley and Miloš Teodosić, who played well against the Raptors.
Beverley started for the Clippers during Sunday's game filled the stat sheet. The defensive specialist recorded 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
He shot 4-of-6 from the field, including 2-of-3 from the three-point line. The 29-year-old was one of many players the Houston Rockets shipped to Los Angeles just to land Paul back in June.
Meanwhile, Teodosić struggled with his shooting, as he missed all five of his attempts. The pride of Serbia finished with only one point for Los Angeles but tallied eight assists and two steals off the bench. Worries may be alleviated for Clippers fans since Teodosić is still adjusting to the NBA. The good news was he did what he does best, which is creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
In Paul's last season (2016-17) with the Clippers, he averaged 18.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and two steals per contest.
It is unlikely for Beverley and Teodosić to have numbers like that in the upcoming season. However, with their specialties, they can help the team remain competitive in the post-Chris Paul era.
Newcomers stepped up
Danilo Gallinari and Lou Williams also provided splendid performances Sunday. The two are newcomers to Los Angeles as well.
As a member of the Clippers' starting unit, Gallinari had 17 points, three rebounds, and an assist. The veteran from Italy scored most of his points from the charity stripe. Meanwhile, Williams came off the bench and also contributed 17 points. The one-time Sixth Man of the Year finished with four rebounds, six assists, and two steals too.
The rematch
The Clippers will have an opportunity to avenge Sunday's defeat to the Raptors. On October 4, the two teams are going to play each other once again at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Los Angeles is looking for its first win of the preseason, while Toronto is hoping to keep an undefeated record. Following this, the Clippers will head back to Los Angeles for a three-game homestand to close their preseason campaign.
