All eyes were on the battle of Los Angeles on the first Thursday night of the NBA season. It was the post-Chris Paul, new look Los Angeles Clippers playing visitor to the Los Angels Lakers led by rookie phenom Lonzo Ball. Everyone has been waiting with baited breath to see what the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft had to offer.
After a summer full of hype from his father Lavar, Lonzo finally took the court for the Lakers in a meaningful game. No more NBA Summer League matchups with fellow rookies, no more preseason contests against bench players and guys fighting to make a team. It was time for the real deal. Unfortunately for Lonzo, his dad wrote a check he couldn’t cash.
Over the summer, Patrick Beverley responded to a statement Lavar Ball made about Lonzo Ball. Beverley said he would ‘lock up’ Lonzo in their first matchup.
But imma guard him the first game and we will see about that!!! @Lavarbigballer https://t.co/FXSIXjHGHP
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) September 15, 2017
As many should expect, Beverley did not disappoint. He pestered, hounded and attacked Lonzo Ball all night.
The Clippers easily handled the Lakers 108-92. According to ESPN stats and Info, on the 29 plays that Patrick Beverley guarded Lonzo Ball, Ball went 0-for-2 from the floor and had three assist opportunities. In total, Lonzo registered three points, shot 1-for-6 last night, missing all 3 shots in the paint, while also grabbing nine rebounds and handing out four assists.
After the game, Beverley let the world know what he thought about Ball and his debut in the NBA. As expected, Lonzo’s father Lavar responded to Beverley but we all know the first team all-defense member got the last laugh on this night.
Patrick Beverly as he walked into the locker room: "Fucking win. Weak ass motherfuckers. Don't put that mother fucker on me."
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) October 20, 2017
Patrick Beverley wasn't interested in hearing what he said or talking about what he said as he entered the locker room after the game. pic.twitter.com/VhGIP9t4jO
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) October 20, 2017
Patrick Beverley on playing Lonzo Ball tonight. pic.twitter.com/qSeKcDcMSH
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) October 20, 2017
