The Clippers and Lakers put on a heck of a battle in their season opener that saw the Clippers win 112-102.

The Lakers took an early 11 point lead thanks to some great play by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but the Clippers would not be deterred and came back to take the lead in the second quarter thanks to Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers shot a dismal 35% from the first quarter and only found themselves 3 points down, which was a good sign for the eventual winners. 

They then went on a tear in the second quarter, finishing the half with on 57.1% shooting and 42.9% from deep. When their shooting caught up, they took the lead, to the tune of a 62-54 advantage at the half.

The Lakers showed heart, though. An 8-0 run from the Clippers early in the 3rd quarter was then answered with a 10-2 Laker run. A wild third quarter, which saw Danny Green go 6/6 from beyond the arc, ended in a tie.

The Clippers pulled away in the fourth thanks to a great team effort.

The game showed a lot of promise for the Clippers, especially since they won’t even have Paul George back for at least 10 games.

Here are a few key notes:

Kawhi Leonard was worth all of the drama

Leonard showed why he was the marquee free agent of 2019. The Lakers did a decent job of slowing him down in the first quarter, but he finished the half with 20 points on 72.7% shooting. Kawhi did it all in the game, and was especially effective with his mid-range jumper. In a league that favors the 3 point shot, Leonard showed how dangerous a good mid-range jumper can be when plays break down.

LeBron James still has it

LeBron James is still one of the league’s best players, and he reminded people about that. He started with a tough fadeaway over Leonard, but put on a good display on both ends. His chasedown of Montrezl Harrell was a great defensive highlight, even if it was called a foul. He showed great urgency as well, and his defensive efforts were highlighted by a sequence that saw him first block Landry Shamet on a fast break, and then draw a charge after the ensuing offensive rebound was grabbed by the Clippers. He also drew a great charge late in the fourth quarter against Leonard.

He also showed his signature passing. LeBron has something to prove this season, and he played the opening game like he show it.

James had a relatively slow second half on the offensive end, though. He’s going to need help.

Anthony Davis will be a force

Davis is going to have a great season. He was using his size to draw fouls, making tough shots, and being a disruptive force against the Clippers. Davis is the best player that James has played with since a prime D-Wade and this partnership is going to be great to watch. He had a few strong showings on defense as well.

Clippers depth is going to be huge

Lou Williams showed that he is going to keep doing his thing. He showed his scoring prowess again with an array of tough jumpers and drives to the hoop. Montrezl Harrell is a whirlwind. He’s such a high energy player that is disruptive on both ends thanks to the fact that he never gives up.  Patrick Beverley continues to be a hard-nosed defender, and he showed his heart in drawing a charging foul that would have hurt much larger men. Landry Shamet showed some efficient scoring as well, making the most of his open shots. The Clippers were still able to keep playing at a good clip while Leonard was resting, which is going to make Doc Rivers happy.

The Lakers’ supporting case may be a problem

Outside of Danny Green, the Lakers bench didn’t have a great game. Green did show that he can play the 3 and D role that he was signed for, and they’re going to need him. His three point explosion in the third quarter is precisely why he was worth the money the Lakers signed him for.

They mustered up 22 points to LeBron and AD’s 32 in the first half, and there are serious questions to be asked about who will be able to carry the slack when both of their superstars have a bad day, or are being load managed. As a point of reference, the Clippers bench scored 42 points to supplement Kawhi’s 20 in the first half.

Parting thoughts

The LA rivalry is real. Both the Clippers and Lakers put on a hell of a show for the crowd and it’s going to be amazing to see their next three regular season meetings.