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Clippers’ Ivica Zubac welcomes added responsibilities

October 26, 2024

INGLEWOOD — Ivica Zubac knows he has an increased responsibility this season to do more in the post and down low. He needs to score more, grab rebounds and use his 7-foot frame and strength to get the job done.

If the season opener was any indication, Zubac is ready to step up.

The center scored 21 points, had eight rebounds and three assists in the Clippers’ 116-113 overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night, a solid start to a season. But Zubac gets an even bigger test in the second game of the season. Bigger, as in 6-11, 248-pound Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.

The Clippers face the Nuggets at Denver on Saturday and Zubac again has the task of trying to slow the reigning and three-time league MVP. Jokic had 16 points, 12 rebounds, 13 assists, two steals and one blocked shot while shooting 6 for 13 from the field in the Nuggets’ season opener.

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said Zubac simply needs to compete, just play and involve his teammates when facing Jokic.

“I like Zu’s physicality and his size,” Lue said. “When you are going against the MVP, it’s not going to be one-on-one. It’s going to be collectively. But we need Zu to be physical, we need him to be big and battle him.

“We know it’s going to be tough because a lot of things are run through him, for passing, post-ups, pick-and-pops. So, Zu just has to stay with it because he’s going to score some points, he’s going to get some assists, but we got to make him work.”

In 22 games against the Jokic-led Nuggets, Zubac has averaged 9.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 0.9 blocks, and posted a double-double in a two-point victory last April.

“I am always confident in my offensive game and always knew I could score in the post. It’s just, you know, in past years there were not a lot of chances,” Zubac said. “We had a lot of guys who were priority on offense and it’s normal. It’s like that on every team.

“I just had to play my role, and this year is going to be a bigger role offensively. I feel like I’ve been ready for it for a while and I’m excited.”

REUNION ON TAP

The Clippers will be facing former teammate Russell Westbrook when they travel to Denver. Westbrook signed with the Nuggets after the Clippers traded him to Utah after one-plus season. The Jazz then waived the nine-time All-Star and he signed with Denver.

Norman Powell and Terance Mann said they expect some chippy moments when they meet.

“It’s going to be fun,” Powell said. “The energy and the approach he comes into every game with, I’m looking forward to that,” Powell said.

“I know like T-Mann said, he’s going to be hyped up, wanting to get a little bit of revenge. He always has that chip on his shoulder, so it’s definitely going to be a little back and forth in the game. It’s always been, but it’s all love. So excited to see him again.”

Mann called Westbrook one of the best teammates he’s ever had.

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“He brought intensity on and off the court, so it’s great to be around him, but just looking forward to that competitive nature tomorrow that he’s going to bring to the game,” Mann said. “I know he’s going to be super excited, so it’s going to be a fun one.”

TUCKER CAN SEEK TRADE

P.J. Tucker’s days in a Clippers jersey could be dwindling after the team granted the veteran’s agent, Andre Buck permission to facilitate a trade. Both sides continue working together while the forward/center remains away from the team.

Tucker is in the final year of his three-year, $33 million contract, earning roughly $11.5 million this season.

CLIPPERS AT NUGGETS

When: Saturday, 2 p.m. PT

Where: Ball Arena, Denver

TV/Radio: FDSN SOCAL, 1150 AM

Orange County Register

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Clippers’ Ivica Zubac welcomes added responsibilities

REUNION ON TAP

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