Pacific Division Updates: Garland Debuts for Clippers; Leonard, Kleber, Thiero, Bouyea in Focus
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LOS ANGELES — Point guard Darius Garland played his first game for the Clippers on Monday, scoring 12 points with two rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes of a road victory over Golden State. The former Cavaliers All-Star, acquired in the trade that sent James Harden to Cleveland, had been sidelined since Jan. 14 by a toe injury.
“Just getting adjusted to L.A., getting to know the guys,” Garland said after the game. “It’s good getting out there with the guys for sure, especially getting a win, my first win with the Clips.”
Kawhi Leonard welcomed the addition. “We’re looking at him to get us involved, push the pace in transition and call sets so we’re not stagnant,” Leonard said, adding that he expects Garland’s minutes to climb past 30 as the guard ramps up.
Head coach Tyronn Lue plans to keep Garland coming off the bench until his workload increases. The 24-year-old will make his home debut Wednesday against Indiana.
Lakers Lean on Kleber and Thiero
Lakers forward Maxi Kleber, an unrestricted free agent after the season, continues to make timely contributions. He posted four points and three blocks in 13 minutes against the Warriors on Saturday, then added six points and six rebounds versus the Kings. “He does everything right,” guard Marcus Smart said, praising Kleber’s professionalism despite limited playing time.
Rookie forward Adou Thiero, back from a month-long absence with a knee sprain, impressed with 33 points and 14 rebounds in two recent G League outings for South Bay. Recalled to the NBA roster over the weekend, the second-round pick logged three points, a rebound and an assist in four minutes against Sacramento. “I’m just trying to get one percent better every day,” Thiero said.
Suns Convert Bouyea
The Suns upgraded Jamaree Bouyea from a two-way contract to a standard deal. Head coach Jordan Ott said the undrafted guard “earned it,” but noted that “work [is] left to do” as Bouyea continues to establish himself in Phoenix’s rotation.
Source: Hoops Rumors
