Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Darius Garland’s deep three-point shooting has opened up new dimensions for the Clippers’ offense, forcing defenses to extend their coverage.Los Angeles Today
The LA Clippers’ midseason acquisition of Darius Garland has paid immediate dividends, as the 26-year-old guard has been lighting it up from well beyond the 3-point line. Garland is averaging over 21 points per game since joining the Clippers, and has already set a franchise record by making 52 3-pointers in his first 13 games with the team – many of them from 26 feet or deeper. His new teammates Kawhi Leonard and Bennedict Mathurin have been impressed by Garland’s deep shooting range and how it opens up the floor for the Clippers’ offense.
Why it matters
Garland’s long-range shooting prowess adds a new dimension to the Clippers’ offense, forcing opposing defenses to extend their coverage and creating more driving lanes and open looks for the team’s other scoring threats. His ability to consistently knock down shots from well beyond the arc makes the Clippers an even more dangerous offensive team as they push for their 15th consecutive winning season.
The details
Through his first 13 games with the Clippers, Garland is averaging 21.3 points, 7.0 assists, and shooting a blistering 51% from 3-point range. Of his 52 made 3-pointers, 27 have come from 26 feet or deeper, including 16 from at least 27 feet, 9 from 29 feet or more, and 3 from beyond 32 feet. Garland’s deep shooting range has impressed his new teammates, with Mathurin noting ‘I knew he could shoot the ball, but I always make fun of him. He got them short legs, small legs, but he’s got range man. He can shoot man, he can really shoot that.’ Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue also highlighted how Garland’s deep shooting opens up the floor and creates more space for the team’s offense to operate.
Garland was traded to the Clippers at the February trade deadline.
The players
Darius Garland
A 26-year-old guard who was recently traded to the LA Clippers from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Garland is averaging over 21 points per game and has set a franchise record by making 52 3-pointers in his first 13 games with the Clippers.
The Clippers’ star forward who has praised Garland’s shooting range and how it opens up the floor for the team’s offense.
Bennedict Mathurin
The Clippers’ young forward who has been impressed by Garland’s deep shooting ability, noting ‘He got them short legs, small legs, but he’s got range man. He can shoot man, he can really shoot that.’
Tyronn Lue
The Clippers’ head coach who highlighted how Garland’s deep shooting range creates more spacing and opens up the floor for the team’s offense.
Brook Lopez
The veteran center who has played against Garland numerous times and says he’s been surprised by some of the ways Garland has been able to score for the Clippers.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“’Not this deep,’ Bennedict Mathurin said when asked if he knew his new Clippers teammate Darius Garland had this kind of shooting range. ‘I knew he could shoot the ball, but I always make fun of him. He got them short legs, small legs, but he’s got range man. He can shoot man, he can really shoot that.’”
— Bennedict Mathurin, Clippers forward
“’Oh, yeah!’ Leonard confidently acknowledged. ‘I played against him. He’s an All-Star talent, can score at three levels, can get to the line, mid-range, floaters, layups, threes. He pretty much has it all.’”
— Kawhi Leonard, Clippers forward
“’It’s someone else I’ve played against a lot, so I’ve seen it from the other side. But I’m loving it. And even though I’ve played against him a lot, he’s also surprising me in many different ways as well.’”
— Brook Lopez, Clippers center
“’I just knew [Garland’s] pace would open things up and I knew his ability shoot the basketball would open things up. But him also being able to attack and get into the paint, the floaters, making the right pass and right play, but we didn’t talk about his range being deep like it is.’”
— Tyronn Lue, Clippers head coach
What’s next
The Clippers have seven games remaining in the regular season, five of which will be played at home. They are currently 39-36 and trying to secure their 15th consecutive winning season, the longest active streak in the NBA.
The takeaway
Darius Garland’s arrival has provided a major boost to the Clippers’ offense, with his elite long-range shooting ability stretching defenses and creating more opportunities for the team’s other scoring threats. His deep shooting range has impressed his new teammates and coaches, and his ability to consistently knock down shots from well beyond the arc makes the Clippers an even more dangerous offensive team as they push for another winning season.