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How Much Will Ivica Zubac Impact Clippers in Playoffs?

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It seems like ages ago when Ivica Zubac was traded from the Lakers to the Clippers. Now, LA’s playoff run may depend on the big man’s impact. It’s remarkable to see how well Zubac has progressed over the past few years. He has transitioned from been a role player off the bench to becoming a premier big man in the league. The LA Clippers have won 14 of their last 17 games, and Zubac has played a critical role on their way to the playoffs.

How Much Will Ivica Zubac Impact Clippers in Playoffs?

Throughout the season, Zubac has put up some impressive numbers. So impressive that, in an era where more centers spread the floor and shoot from the perimeter, Zubac has stuck to being of a more traditional big man. Standing at 7-foot and around 240 pounds, the 28-year-old Croatian is emerging as a pivotal player. In his ninth season, and sixth full season with the Clippers, Zubac’s name is becoming known across the league as the playoffs near.

Zubac has recorded a total of 55 double-doubles this year. Zubac’s 55 double-doubles are ranked fourth-most in the league, behind elite big men Nikola Jokic (57), Domantas Sabonis (57), and Karl-Anthony Towns (56). What’s more impressive is the 22 double-doubles since the All-Star break out of a possible 24 games, most in the NBA. Ironically, Zubac is also fourth in the NBA in rebounds (12.5) behind the same three players.

Statistically, Zubac has been having a fantastic season, which is by far the best season of his career. Zubac is averaging 16.5 points and 12.5 rebounds while shooting 62.4% from the field. When it comes to scoring, it has been a completely different story this year compared to years past. Zubac had only scored over 20 points 16 times in his entire career entering 2024-25. This season, “Zu” has scored at least 20 points in 26 games. 

Zubac is Influencing the Clippers on Both Sides of the Ball

In the Clippers’ last matchup against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, Zubac pitched a perfect game. The Clippers’ big man finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds, going a perfect 11-11 from the field. Knocking down all three of his free throw attempts, Zubac made every shot he took in the game. Zubac received high praise for his performance while also guarded by defensive-minded players like Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II. Performances like these will help the Clippers moving forward, where the biggest stars need to contribute on a nightly basis.

With all this talk about scoring on the offensive end, defense has been the strength for Zubac and the Clippers. Zu has become the anchor of this fantastic Clippers defense. LA has a 109.0 defensive rating, which ranks second in the NBA behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. They rank third in the league with 9.5 steals a game. While Zubac has been averaging 1.2 blocks a game, he could make a case to be this season’s Defensive Player of the Year with how stellar the Clippers have been on defense. 

How Zubac’s Connections Will Affect Clippers in Playoffs

As the playoffs are around the corner, the trust from head coach Tyronn Lue will grow this time of year. Having also only missed two games this season back in January, Zubac’s production has not gone unnoticed. The connection that has been noticed the most has come with his teammate and leader for LA, James Harden. 

Ivica Zubac may be the weapon that the Clippers need to make a deep run in the playoffs. Zubac’s potential matchups in the first round could be against Jokic and the Denver Nuggets or Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Memphis Grizzlies. There is a possibility of going one-on-one with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Western Conference is in a tight race, but the Clippers will look to capitalize on their last four games. Zubac and company will look to make the most of it, as the momentum shifts into the last few games of the season.

The post How Much Will Ivica Zubac Impact Clippers in Playoffs? appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.