Getty Images Lou Williams #23 and Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have been living up to the expectation of fans this season as they became one of the favorites this past summer to win the NBA title. The team has not yet played with a fully healthy roster but has still managed to hold second place in the Western Conference while posting a 21-8 record. The team has an elite starting five with their dynamic duo, led by their dynamic duo of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. They also have dominant players coming off of the bench with Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell, among others.
Williams has made a successful career out of being an award-winning sixth man as he’s received the NBA award for that role in 2015, 2018 and 2019. He is again a top contender to earn this year’s award, as he is currently averaging 19.9 points, 3.2 boards and 6.3 assists per game while shooting 41.5 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from three-point range.
Harrell has also proven that he plays a crucial role on the Clippers roster by providing a major spark off the bench. He is putting up big numbers this season and is averaging 19.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 57.4 percent from the field. With numbers like these, Harrell is also a legitimate contender to be crowned this season’s Sixth Man of the Year.
In a postgame interview by Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints, Williams commented on the possibility of Montrezl stripping him of his third consecutive Sixth Man of the Year Award.
“Of course. Y’all can start building that story now. Yes is my answer. If anybody does it, I want it to be Trez,” Williams said.
Lou Williams on Montrezl Harrell potentially winning Sixth Man of the Year over him – “Of course. Y’all can start building that story now. Yes is my answer. If anybody does it, I want it to be Trez.”
Lou Williams Against the Phoenix Suns
On Tuesday, the Clippers rolled past the Phoenix Suns at home, 120-99. Williams struggled during the first half of the game as he only recorded three points and was 1-of-6 from the field. He also had three turnovers over the span of the first two quarters. In a postgame interview with Fox Sports San Diego, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers said that he spoke to Williams about his performance at the half.
“I jokingly told him at halftime, ‘are you gonna make a shot today?’ I was just kidding around… but he may have taken it seriously,” Rivers said.
“I jokingly told him at halftime, “are you gonna make a shot today?” I was just kidding around… but he may have taken it seriously” 😂
Doc on @TeamLou23‘s personal 11-0 run in the 4Q
Doc was correct that Williams might have taken the comments to heart as he was on fire in the second half of the game. He went on an 11-0 run and closed out the game with 20 points, eight assists and two boards. It was during the fourth quarter where Lou really took charge, draining back-to-back three-pointers, a layup and another three. In a postgame interview posted by Azarly of ClutchPoints, the three-time Sixth Man of the Year revealed what it’s like when he gets hot.
“I blank out to be honest with you. Literally, if the crowd was chanting or saying something, I promise you, I didn’t hear it… When I’m in the zone like that, my goal is just to put up numbers,” Williams said.