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Summer League Preview | Clippers vs. Wizards

Where: Thomas & Mack Center at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas

When: Tuesday, July 9, at 8:30 p.m. PT

Watch: NBATV

Opponent: Washington Wizards

Now 1-1 in Summer League play, the Clippers face off against the Washington Wizards Tuesday, July 9, at 8:30 p.m. PT at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

In Sunday night’s game, the Clippers fell to the Memphis Grizzlies, 87-75. Despite a stagnant first quarter, the Clippers fought to within one point by halftime. Ultimately, the Grizzlies’ 14-point edge in the paint, coupled with the Clippers shooting only 32.2 percent from the field, secured the win for Memphis.

“This is day seven of camp, so everybody’s legs are a little down… You don’t want to be a team of excuses but at the same time, reality checks in, it’s day seven, heavy minutes, and in training camp everyone is up and down,” Head Coach Brian Adams said in a post-game interview.

Mfiondu Kabengele reached double-figures once again, leading all scorers with 19 points. He continued to prove his range as a big, knocking down three of four from beyond the arc.

“He can do a little bit of everything, screen, block shots, hit threes and for him it’s just continuing to develop. He’s a young kid just learning the NBA,” Adams said of Kabengele.

Kabengele’s college teammate, Terance Mann, who grabbed 14 rebounds and added six points, is settling into his new position as a point guard for the Clippers. “We got to get the ball in his hands as much as we can,” Adams said of Mann, “he gets to the paint so well and creates plays so well, he’s a point guard, it’s fun to watch, he’s good.”

Kabengele and Mann have helped one another adjust to a new level of play. Specifically, Mann’s experience with Kabengele’s style of play has aided him as he adapts to his new role at point guard. “He kind of knows where I am going to be and I kind of always know where he is going to be so finding him is kind of easier. It helps that it’s our first year and we’re familiar with something at least” Mann on playing with Kabengele.

The only returning Clipper on the Summer League roster, Jerome Robinson, contributed 15 points Sunday night. Aside from a double-figure scoring performance, what impresses Adams is Robinson’s tenacity. “The one thing he’s been the most consistent with [is] when he comes to the G-League and goes back, he doesn’t overthink it at all, he gets in and he knocks down shots and he plays hard,” Adams said.

OPPONENT OUTLOOK:

The Wizards come into Tuesday night’s matchup 1-1 in Summer League play. They defeated the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday and fell to the Brooklyn Nets Monday night. Their roster includes Rui Hachimura, the ninth overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. Hachimura had 19 points and seven rebounds against the Nets.