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Los Angeles Clippers: Takeaways From 111-104 Win In Season-Opener

By Cameron Stewart

Oct 28, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) battles for a rebound against Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Sacramento Kings 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) battles for a rebound against Sacramento Kings guard Ben McLemore (23) during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Sacramento Kings 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 28, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Lance Stephenson (1) looks to pass out the ball against Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Lance Stephenson (1) looks to pass out the ball against Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Lance Stephenson gets the start, Paul Pierce gets the minutes.

One of the more intriguing storylines for the Clippers throughout the preseason was who would take Matt Barnes‘ place as the starting small forward? The battle was considered to be between Paul Pierce and Wesley Johnson. The winner however, was Lance Stephenson.

Stephenson drew the start and played well in his time on the court. Stephenson hit a three-pointer to score the first bucket of the season for the Clippers and finished the game with 7 points on 3-5 shooting with two rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Stephenson also played fine defense on Rudy Gay, the number one perimeter scorer on the Kings. Stephenson’s ability to keep the starting job will rely mostly on his ability to defend number one scoring wings and not kill the offense. If Stephenson can knock down open jump shots and fully use Griffin and Jordan’s screens, he could be a steal for the Clippers.

Even when you get Good Lance Stephenson, Bad Lance Stephenson will rear his head.

If Stephenson can prove to be the team’s best wing defender and knock down shots like he was on Wednesday night, Clippers fans will just have to deal with more episodes of Lance Being Lance.

Next: Paul Pierce, Just What Doc Ordered

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