Clippers show lack of defense in first three preseason games

Clippers Coach Doc Rivers said before training camp began that he wanted his team to improve defensively.

Sure it’s just the preseason, but in the team’s first three exhibition games there have been no signs that Rivers’ hope is being realized.

The Clippers’ last two opponents, Portland and Utah, have made a combined 31 three-pointers, shooting 56.4% from beyond the arc. Last season the Clippers held opponents to a league-best 33.2% from beyond the three-point line.

The Clippers have given up more than 100 points in each of their three exhibition games, and have been outrebounded in all three. In their loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday they were outrebounded, 55-32.

They’re also allowing far too much penetration and high-percentage shots. Golden State, Portland and Utah averaged 51.2% shooting against the Clippers. In the team’s first exhibition against the Warriors, the Clippers also committed 37 personal fouls and sent the Warriors to the free-throw line 47 times.

The Clippers led the league in scoring last season, and Rivers wants to see the team be as effective on the other end of the court. In order to be true competitors in the talented Western Conference, they have got to revert to the fundamentals and play hard-nosed defense, box opponents out to grab rebounds, and hustle back in transition, he said.