The Los Angeles Clippers' recent form has been truly impressive, especially against opponents with tall centers. When it comes to the Clippers being able to perform like this, we have to mention one person - Zubac. After the center returned, not only did the Clippers' interior defense become rock-solid, but the offensive and defensive transitions were also more active. In this article, let's talk about how the Clippers solved the problem of interior rotation, what an important role Zubac is, and how the Clippers adjusted their tactics to make the team's performance steadily rise, and the tacit understanding between the teams is getting better and better.
Let's talk about Zubac first, he may not be the kind of big star who can steal the show as soon as he appears, but in the big family of the Clippers, he is definitely the one who can't be missing in the family. Since he came back from injury, the Clippers have been much more comfortable against those big centers. Although Zubac may not be the top in terms of talent, his tactical awareness and positional sense are really first-class, and his help defense when defending and blocking and dismantling air relays during attack can have a positive impact on the team.
Zubac's return also allows the Clippers to be more flexible in executing the "one big and four small" tactical layout. This set of tactics not only maintains the speed and flexibility of the small-ball era, but also maintains a certain hardness because of Zubac on the inside. With such a tactical adjustment, no matter what kind of opponent the Clippers are facing, the Clippers can have a variety of response strategies, which greatly improves the team's adaptability and competitiveness.
However, during the period without Zubac, the Clippers' interior rotation was really challenging. Plumlee and Theis, while nimble, didn't have Zubac on the defensive end, which made the Clippers struggle a bit against teams with strong centers for a while. Not only is Zubac excellent defensively, but his awareness and ability to help defend are also key to the Clippers' defensive system, and when he is not on the court, the Clippers' defensive efficiency will suffer.
Moreover, the team's defensive transition and fast-break ability are also inseparable from Zubac's performance. His rebounding protection, especially the competition for rebounds in the frontcourt, created a lot of secondary offensive opportunities for the Clippers, which was very critical to maintaining the lead of the game. Although Zubac's jumping ability is average, his accurate positional sense and ability to play under the basket ensure that he has an advantage in rebounding.
The Clippers' current solid record and improved team morale are largely due to Zubac's all-around impact on the inside. He is not only the center of the defense, but also plays a key role in the attack. When the Clippers execute quick counter-attacks and fluid offensive tactics, Zubac often provides pick-and-rolls and covers in key moments to help the team break down the opponent's defense. Especially when the team's main stars Harden and George hit the inside, Zubac can always effectively block the chasing players and create scoring space. His ability to quickly cut to the basket after blocking and picking also makes him an integral part of the Clippers' offense, often finishing the offense with aerial relays or simple layups.
With Zubac, the Clippers' interior rotation problem has improved significantly. The team's tactical layout is more diverse, whether it is against a big opponent or a game that requires a quick switch between offense and defense, the Clippers can be flexible. This change not only improves the overall strength of the team, but also makes the team more confident against strong teams.
The tacit cooperation between the team's big four has also been further enhanced by the return of Zubac. The off-ball movement and passing the ball to each other on the pitch showed a deep understanding and trust between the players. Behind this is a deep understanding of tactics and full trust in the ability of his teammates, and Zubac's stable performance on the inside is undoubtedly an important cornerstone of this tacit understanding.
On their quest for a championship, the Clippers have demonstrated an unbreakable fighting spirit and the power of teamwork. Everyone is working towards a common goal, and Zubac's return not only strengthens the team's internal shortcomings, but also brings new hope and motivation to the team. With Zubac fully recovering from his injury, the Clippers' interior advantage will be more pronounced, and the offensive and defensive transitions, rebounding battles, and positional tactics will be executed to the next level. Clippers fans have every reason to expect that this team can achieve their championship dreams in the near future.
The Clippers' story is a great example of how a team can continue to improve and overcome challenges through tactical adjustments, player returns, and teamwork. Zubac's role on the team has changed from an ordinary center to an integral part of the game, which not only proves his personal value, but also reflects the Clippers' ability to adapt and evolve as a whole. Every detail of the Clippers' journey is filled with lessons and revelations, and those experiences are absolutely invaluable for teams and players who strive for excellence.
Do you have any thoughts or opinions after watching this game? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section and discuss the future of the Clippers and their championship path!