Los Angeles Clippers: 3 takeaways from Game 2 vs. Warriors

3. The rookies delivered in the clutch

The NBA Playoffs can be daunting for rookies, especially when your opponent is the defending champions. However, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Landry Shamet did not wilt under pressure during the Clippers’ Game 2 comeback.

Gilgeous-Alexander had a much more understated game on Monday than his 18-point playoff debut, finishing with just four points. Inversely, Shamet found his shooting rhythm after going 1-of-6 in Game 1. He scored 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting, all from 3-point range.

Despite the modest point totals, both players stepped up when the team needed them the most. Over the final 19:30 of the game that the comeback took place, SGA went scoreless, but dished out four assists and swiped three steals. Shamet went 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, dished out two assists and snagged one steal.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s playmaking and Shamet’s sharpshooting connected for the most important play of the game, the go-ahead trey that put the lead away for good. It should be comforting for Clippers fans to know that even their young players can come through when their number is called.