In a pivotal game at the Intuit Dome, the Los Angeles Clippers secured a 112-104 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on January 7, 2024. Center Ivica Zubac delivered a standout performance, contributing 18 points and an impressive 19 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards. His remarkable effort helped the Clippers maintain control throughout the match, ultimately outpacing the Lakers, who managed only six offensive rebounds in total.
Before the game, veteran guard James Harden approached Zubac, encouraging him to aim for a significant performance. “I basically told him we need a 20-point and 15-rebound game from him tonight and to be physical down around the basket and finishing around the rim,” Harden stated. Zubac took the advice to heart, stating, “He gave me some motivation for the game. Those were a few motivating factors tonight, but glad we got a win.”
Coaching Insights and Player Development
Head coach Tyronn Lue was unaware of the pre-game interaction but expressed support for Harden’s motivational approach. “Tell him [Harden] to tell him [Zubac] again, and again, tomorrow and the next day,” Lue said after practice on Saturday. Such encouragement reflects Lue’s focus on building player confidence, especially as the Clippers (20-24) prepare for a challenging three-game road trip following their clash with the Brooklyn Nets on January 8, 2024.
Zubac has shown considerable promise this season. Prior to the game against the Lakers, he had recorded three consecutive double-doubles but had yet to dominate in a significant way. Lue mentioned that he expected a strong outing from Zubac based on his performance in warmups. “He said he felt the best he has felt in a long time. I feel really good,” Lue recalled, highlighting Zubac’s resilience after battling injuries.
Zubac had previously suffered a Grade 2 ankle sprain during a game against the Lakers on December 20, 2023. After a prognosis indicating he would miss three weeks, he made a speedy recovery, returning to the lineup after just two weeks. Although his first game back was less impressive, with only four points and seven rebounds in a loss to the Boston Celtics, Zubac’s determination has shone through since then.
Record-Breaking Performance
Currently, Zubac is averaging 11.1 rebounds per game, ranking him third in the NBA, and boasts a shooting percentage of 60.3%. His performance against the Lakers not only marked a personal achievement but also pushed his career total to 4,718 rebounds, surpassing Elton Brand (4,710) for second place on the franchise’s all-time rebounds list. DeAndre Jordan holds the franchise record with 7,988 rebounds.
Lue praised Zubac’s ability to dominate in the paint, particularly noting his effectiveness against the Lakers’ smaller lineup. “His ability to clean up missed shots around the basket, and a couple kickouts for threes, was huge for us,” Lue said. Zubac’s performance exemplified the impact of motivation and support from teammates, underscoring the importance of mental readiness in professional sports.
As the Clippers gear up for their next match against the Nets, Zubac will be looking to build on this momentum, further establishing himself as a key player for the team.
