Size-wise, Markkanen is advantageous, but Leonard is still strong enough to at least force some resistance. Yet on Wednesday night, there was nothing, as he was atrocious, giving up many baskets to the one-time All-Star and to Utah as a team.
This defensive performance from a two-time Defensive Player of the Year is the Clippers’ biggest worry in their disappointing 0-1 start, as the turnover issues and offensive rhythm can be fixed. Yet Leonard's may not be solvable, especially because no one knows what is going on, as a range of causes could be at play, such as age, effort, or something completely out of the box.