John Collins, a big user of the Clippers’ “household”?

Before the season, John Collins said he would smash on the ground » to earn a starting spot with the Clippers. And if that wasn’t enough, then he would go on to “ get high every day you get off the bench ».

Three months later, and after starting as a replacement, the interior is the undisputed mainstay of the California franchise. Her statistical curve in terms of “scoring” is continuously increasing, month after month.

In February, he confirmed a good period in January, averaging 17.4 points and 6.8 rebounds, with excellent percentages (64.2% on shots, including 53.8% from distance). Yesterday against Wolveshe again delivered a clean copy of 15 points (6/9 on shots), fueling, with his 3/3 from distance, his best percentage of his career from behind the arc: 44%.

after the match a reporter asks Tyronn Lue if he imagines his insides continuing to fire with that level of skill. ” I hope for him and for me, because he works hard every day. He was frustrated at the start of the season because they weren’t working for him (editor’s note: 34% through January), but lately all that hard work has finally paid off. I’m really happy for him », shows the coach.

His skill isn’t the only standout element of his first season with the Clippers. The absence of Kawhi Leonard in the infirmary prompted the former Hawks and Jazz player to switch roles several times in the Clippers offense, in which he was more of a 4th option, behind James Harden and Ivica Zubac.

Support from the Clippers assistant

« If you look at the whole process and what he’s accomplished, either as a starter or in Kawhi’s absence, he’s improved significantly. Now he understands what we’re trying to implement offensively and defensively. Often when you come to a new team, you play too much thinking, “What should I do? How should I act?” “, notes his coach.

The latter believes that working with his assistants Jeremy Castleberry and Jeff Van Gundy has played a big role in this progression. ” Every day they show him video, take him out on the field, point out his mistakes… He’s really improved », continues Tyronn Lue, who could make his interior even more responsible.

With the departures of James Harden and Ivica Zubac, there are shots to recover, especially since newcomer Darius Garland is much less greedy than the Beard. Against the Wolves yesterday, Kawhi Leonard took 30 (his highest of the year) of his team’s 76 shots.

End of JanuaryNicholas Batum explained that John Collins, behind the Leonard-Harden pairing at the time, could be ” the key to the team ». « We need that third guy. And when John plays like he’s been playing for three weeks, it’s really hard to beat us “, remarked the Frenchman.

I’m waiting this offensive reconfigurationThe Clippers (25 wins – 27 losses), 9th in the West, continue to win and prepare to balance their balance sheet.

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How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.