Why Warriors’ Zubac Assignment Is the Matchup to Watch Against Clippers
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When the Golden State Warriors host the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night at Intuit Dome, their focus won’t solely be on All-Stars James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. Instead, the real challenge lies with Ivica Zubac, the Clippers’ 7-foot center who dominated their previous matchup.
Zubac’s Dominance in October
In their first meeting on October 27, Zubac led the Clippers to a decisive victory with a standout performance:
- 23 points (tied with Harden for a team-high)
- 18 rebounds
- Instrumental in LA outscoring Golden State 58-38 in the paint
Zubac’s presence turned the tide early. After scoring five of the Clippers’ first seven points in the second quarter, the Warriors never regained the lead.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr acknowledged Zubac’s impact:
“Every time they needed a bucket, they seemed to get one from him.”
Warriors’ Big Man Rotation Faces a Test
The Warriors typically rotate their trio of big men—Kevon Looney, Draymond Green, and rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis (TJD)—to combat dominant centers like Zubac. However, this time they face an added challenge:
- Kevon Looney: Ruled out due to illness. Looney was the Warriors’ most effective big in the last game, finishing with 10 points and 11 rebounds in 20 minutes.
- Trayce Jackson-Davis: The rookie struggled in the previous matchup and will need to step up in Looney’s absence.
- Draymond Green: Known for his defensive prowess, Green didn’t see much action against Zubac last time but will be key in neutralizing him now.
Zubac’s Rising Impact
Zubac is having one of the best starts of his career, ranking:
- Top five among scoring centers with 15.9 points per game
- Fifth in rebounds league-wide, averaging 12.1 per game
His ability to dominate on both ends of the court has made him a critical factor for the Clippers, especially against a Warriors team that relies on fast-paced, perimeter-heavy play.
Clippers’ Second Night of a Back-to-Back
The Warriors may have one advantage going into Monday’s game: the Clippers are coming off a back-to-back set, having defeated Utah on Sunday. However, Zubac has proven he can handle heavy minutes, playing 39 minutes in high-altitude Denver before his stellar performance against Golden State in October.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue highlighted Zubac’s importance:
“When we get him the ball in the paint, when we get to his sweet spot, he’s usually money. We needed every second of his minutes.”
Warriors’ Adjustments
To counter Zubac and the Clippers:
- Paint Protection: The Warriors were outscored by 20 points in the paint last time, a stat they must flip to compete.
- Perimeter Defense: Kerr will remind his team to stay disciplined against James Harden and be wary of streak shooters like Norman Powell, who has troubled Golden State in the past.
- Defensive Intensity: Without Looney, the Warriors need standout performances from Green and TJD to contain Zubac’s physicality.
The Zubac vs. Warriors frontcourt battle will likely define the outcome. If Golden State can find a way to limit his impact in the paint, they stand a better chance of securing a crucial win. However, if Zubac continues his dominant form, the Warriors could face another frustrating night against the Clippers.
