Clippers’ high-flying Derrick Jones keeping grounded on defense

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Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. battles for a loos ball with Warriors guard Buddy Hield during a game earlier this season at Intuit Dome. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Over the course of what has become his best NBA season with the Clippers, Derrick Jones Jr. has been seen leaping into the stratosphere to catch a lob pass from James Harden and then throwing down an exciting dunk. The crowd inside Intuit Dome usually goes into a frenzy from the spectacular play.

The Clippers public address announcer, Eric Smith, will then let loose with a “Flight 55 has been cleared for takeoff,” the 55 the number on Jones’ jersey.

In many ways, that particular play has been a microcosm of Jones’ play with the Clippers this season. He has been performing at a high level for the Clippers, his game reaching new heights.

“This really has been my first year I heard where people called me ‘Flight 55,’” said Jones, who has had other nicknames like “Airplane Jones” and “Airplane Mode” because of his leaping ability. “But it’s cool. I like Flight 55. It seems to get the fans hyped.”

As the Clippers continue to fight for a top-six playoff spot in the uber-competitive Western Conference and avoid the NBA’s play-in tournament, Jones has done his part.

His career highs in points (10.4 per game) and three-point shooting (35.6%) have provided them a lift. He’s shooting 51.6% from the field and is second on the team in offensive rebounds and third in steals (66).

Read more: Kawhi Leonard concerned about Clippers’ sudden struggle to win games

“We all know defensively that’s where he stands out,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “But he’s got a career year in field-goal percentage, three-point percentage, minutes played, a lot of different things. He’s taken a huge step forward.”

Defense is where the 6-foot-6 Jones has found his niche.

His defensive rating is 111.4, making him one of the best in the NBA.

His assignments are always against the best the league has to offer — such as Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, the dynamic duo from the Celtics of Jayson…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/clippers-high-flying-derrick-jones-120001398.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2025-03-04 12:00:00

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