Just by doing a roster check on the Guangzhou Loong-Lions, fans of the LA Clippers instantly knew they should not underestimate them. Some names were recognizable, but the most notable was Victor Oladipo, a two-time All-Star for the Indiana Pacers, who cooked the Clippers through the first frame with nine points.
Although Oldadipo's nine points were concerning, the Clippers were only up by three after the first quarter, and they had allowed six made three-pointers. This equates to 18 of their total 30 points in 12 minutes.
Furthermore, the regular-season let-down on perimeter coverage is already being predicted, as the Clippers failed in their defensive mission versus the Loong-Lions, hinting at a much worse in the next few months.