The Los Angeles Clippers celebrated a notable performance from John Collins during their recent victory against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 29, 2023. The power forward, who has yet to be selected for an NBA All-Star Game, made a significant impact off the bench, contributing 16 points, six rebounds, and two steals while shooting an impressive 87.5% from the field, including a perfect three-pointer.
Coach Tyronn Lue praised Collins for his energy and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. “I loved his energy, and when Ivica Zubac was being double-teamed, he did a great job cutting to the basket,” Lue noted after the game, which ended with a score of 114-107 in favor of the Clippers.
Collins, who was drafted in the first round in 2017, was acquired by the Clippers from the Utah Jazz this summer as part of a three-team trade. He acknowledged the influence of his veteran teammates, particularly Chris Paul, a 12-time All-Star, who has been a constant source of guidance. “CP for sure is the biggest one; he’s always in my ear,” Collins said, emphasizing the importance of learning from experienced players.
Collins’ Role and Impact
Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 226 pounds, Collins brings a versatile skill set that has proven advantageous for the Clippers. His ability to create space and excel in transition has made him a valuable asset. Lue remarked on the challenges opposing teams face when matching up against Collins and fellow star Kawhi Leonard. “You want to put a smaller guy on John, or a smaller guy on Kawhi? Collins’ versatility on both sides of the basketball is a huge thing for us,” Lue explained.
Collins’ performance not only bolsters the Clippers’ starting lineup but also enhances their second unit, which includes players such as Brook Lopez, Kris Dunn, and Nicolas Batum. “It’s been great… I want to win for my teammates,” Collins said, highlighting his motivation to elevate the team’s performance.
The forward also reflected on the competitive atmosphere created by playing alongside future Hall of Famers, noting that it raises the standard for all players to strive for excellence. “The level of the standard for winning just raises guys to play at a high level,” he remarked.
Upcoming Matchup
Looking ahead, the Clippers are set to face the Golden State Warriors on November 1, 2023, at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The game is scheduled to begin at 20:00 local time. As the Clippers continue to develop their chemistry and capitalize on Collins’ contributions, fans will be eager to see how this dynamic roster performs in the competitive landscape of the NBA.
