Derrick Jones Jr. Flourishes Alongside Darius Garland, Fueling Clippers’ Surge
The Los Angeles Clippers are experiencing a remarkable turnaround, and Derrick Jones Jr. is a key component of their success. Following a dominant 153-128 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, Jones Jr. shed light on how playing alongside new point guard Darius Garland has elevated his game.
“It helps us a lot,” Jones Jr. explained. “Like, my man or if the corner man, if I’m on the wing and Darius on the other wing, the corner man goes to help low and my man has to go watch the corner, and that’s a slot cut for me. Or even if I’m in a corner, my man, a low man, he goes and helps, still a cut for me as Darius does he get downhill and he can put the ball anywhere I need it.”
While not the most eloquently phrased quote, the message is clear for anyone observing the Clippers lately. Garland’s ability to penetrate the defense and draw attention is creating scoring opportunities for his teammates, and Jones Jr. is capitalizing on them.
Jones Jr.’s Post-All-Star Break Performance
Since the All-Star break, Derrick Jones Jr. has been playing some of the best basketball of his career, averaging an impressive 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. Against Minnesota, he contributed 12 points and four steals, making his presence felt on both ends of the court.
Garland also delivered a strong performance with 21 points and six assists, sinking five three-pointers and showcasing the form of the two-time All-Star the Clippers acquired in February in exchange for James Harden. Since entering the starting lineup, Garland is averaging 21.7 points and 6.3 assists, leading the Clippers to a 3-0 record in those games.
Garland vs. Harden: A Shift in Style
The difference between Garland and Harden extends beyond mere talent; it’s a matter of playing style. Harden is a ball-dominant player who prefers a slower pace, isolation plays, and controlling possessions. Garland, on the other hand, is quicker, more agile, and eager to push the tempo and make quick decisions. This style perfectly complements Derrick Jones Jr.’s strengths – cutting, attacking the rim, and finishing strong.
When Garland drives into the paint and forces the defense to collapse, it opens up cutting lanes, precisely what Jones Jr. described post-game. Whether defenders shift towards the corner or rotate from the low post, the result is the same: clear paths to the basket and a point guard capable of delivering the ball with pinpoint accuracy.
Clippers’ Remarkable Turnaround
The Clippers now boast a 33-32 record after a challenging start to the season (6-21), making them the first team in NBA history to climb above .500 after being 15 games below the mark. They currently hold the eighth seed in the Western Conference and have won six of their last seven games.
Minnesota, meanwhile, fell to 40-26 and has lost three consecutive games following a five-game winning streak. While Kawhi Leonard’s 45-point performance grabbed headlines, the supporting cast, including Derrick Jones Jr., played a crucial role in the victory.
Derrick Jones Jr. may not become a superstar, but paired with a dynamic point guard like Garland who can break down defenses and find open cutters, he doesn’t need to be. He simply needs to continue doing what he does best, and right now, it’s working better than ever. NBA Official Website provides further insights into team stats and player performance.
