Jonas Valanciunas really likes playing against the Clippers. Over his 9-year career, he’s had some pretty dominant performances against the ball club, including a game in November of 2021.
That night, he dropped 39 points and 15 rebounds on 7-for-8 shooting from three. He became the first player to go at least 7-7 on 3s in a half since Trevor Ariza did it in 2014. In short, it was a wild and historic night that humiliated the Clippers on their home turf.
So, naturally, ahead of the latest matchup against the Pelicans, head coach Tyronn Lue was reminded about Valanciunas and the monster display he put on.
Tyronn Lue delivered the most excellent response.
Me, pregame: "Last time Jonas Valanciunas was here, he had a historic performance."
Ty Lue: "Psshhh. Good night, Tomer."
~3 HOURS LATER~
Ty Lue postgame: *Looks at boxscore* "Ahh, okay."
Me: "What was that?"
Ty Lue: "Zero attempts from three for Valanciunas. How 'bout that?" pic.twitter.com/B0BaliFSQl
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 4, 2022
Valanciunas isn’t a superstar by any means, but he has made it a point to become a weapon from three, and it has clearly paid off for him.
”The big guy is evolving by being able to stretch the floor and shoot the 3,” Valanciunas said earlier this season. “Being able to handle the ball. Those things, I wanted to add to my game as well. I don’t want to disappear. I want to be successful in this league. Whatever it takes to be successful.”
Lue wanted to slow down Valanciunas on Sunday, and that’s exactly what happened. He only scored 8 points on 66% shooting in L.A.’s 119-100 win.
It was only a small victory for the team, but this season has been a pretty impressive run for the Clippers, and Lue especially. One notable bright spot came just a few weeks ago when the Clips completed a 35-point comeback against the Wizards.
Not long after Tyronn Lue had been doused with cold water by his team after matching the second-largest NBA comeback since 1996, his cellphone was ringing. On the other end, Lue heard a familiar, distinct and drawn voice.
“So you just going to keep getting down 25, come back and win, huh?” Lue says in his best Kawhi Leonard impression.
For much of their existence, the Clippers have long been the punchline. But since last postseason, they’ve developed a stubborn habit of pulling off improbable comebacks — none bigger deficit-wise than erasing that 35-point deficit to stun the Wizards 116-115 — only trailing Utah Jazz’s 36-point come-from-behind win over the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 27, 1996.
It was a masterpiece for the Clips and a sign that they might be ready for bigger and better things. Unfortunately, nobody knows for sure what the future has in store. With no word yet on Kawhi Leonard’s return, all that’s left for the team to do is be patient.
Until it’s their time, the Clips will keep doing what they have been all season long: fight, win, and have fun while doing it.
