Ivica Zubac played a part in the Clippers win against the Lakers in the LA Derby and received an ovation from the home fans.
Ivica Zubac returned to the fans of Los Angeles Lakers for the first time after his trade to city rival Los Angeles Clippers, reports Gol.hr on March 5, 2019.
The Croatian center remained in the happy memories of Lakers fans, so it is no surprise that loud fan ovations greeted him at the Staples Center on Monday night. Many Lakers fans still haven’t accepted the departure of the favorite Croatian player, and still criticize the club's management, who replaced Zubac for almost nothing.
In the city derby, the Clippers beat the Lakers 113:105, which reduced the Lakers chances of advancing to the playoffs.
Zubac didn’t play much in the game due to tactical reasons which saw the Clippers play without a classic center. Zubac, however, received 14 minutes on the court and used them to score seven points and four rebounds. This is not an unusual move for the Clippers, a team without big stars who often rotate players by adjusting to their opponents.
Zubac worked well in his new team and received praise from his coach, Doc Rivers.
"I love him, his physical strength and his ability to pick and roll, and he's a better executer and scorer than I thought. It will be much better in a year or two, but now it's good,” complimented Rivers.
Before the game, Zubac talked about the qualitative differences between the two LA teams and received many messages from supporters of his former club. The Clippers have also been a much better team than their famous rivals in recent years, as statistics clearly show - in the last 26 games, the Los Angeles Lakers celebrated only four times.
After the match, Zubac recalled his warm welcome by Lakers fans.
"I appreciate the Lakers fans and will always appreciate them. They supported me for three years while I was on the Lakers and I will always have the love for them."
Danilo Gallinari was the best for the Clippers with 23 points. For the Lakers, LeBron James scored 27 points, eight rebounds and six assists, and Rajon Rondo achieved a triple-double with 24 points, ten rebounds, and 12 assists.
The Clippers currently hold the seventh place in the Western Conference, and the Lakers tenth.
The Phoenix Suns last night defeated the first-placed team of the Eastern Conference, the Milwaukee Bucks, 114:105. Kelly Oubre Jr. finished the game with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks. Devin Booker scored 22 points while Dragan Bender played 12 minutes and achieved three rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 21 points, 13 rebounds and six assists to be the best for the Bucks.
The New York Knicks entered another defeat, losing to the Sacramento Kings 115:108. Buddy Hield led the Kings with 28 points, while Harrison Barnes added 22. The best for the Knicks was rookie Allonzo Trier with 29 points. Mario Hezonja did not enter the court for New York.
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