Scored 24 points in 18 minutes, is the Clippers new frontline player gradually finding his role?

In a previous NBA preseason game, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Sacramento Kings at home 109-91. After this game, the Clippers' record in the preseason improved to 2 wins and 1 loss; while the Kings suffered a three-game losing streak in the preseason and currently have a record of 0 wins and 3 losses.

In this game, the Clippers' new substitute striker John Collins played his strongest game so far in the preseason. His performance will also make Clippers fans very excited to see it. Collins played 18 minutes and 9 seconds, making 7 of 8 shots, 2 of 2 from beyond the three-point line, and 8 of 10 free throws. He scored a game-high 24 points and 6 rebounds with astonishing efficiency, with a plus-minus of +24. On the offensive end, Collins has shown superb finishing ability at the basket and ability to move without the ball. He has created a lot of threats inside the opponent's paint. He also has certain shooting ability. The opponent really has no way to effectively restrict him. Not only that, Collins' performance on the defensive end is also relatively reliable, and his defensive attitude is no problem. Collins is definitely a surprise player for the Clippers in this game. His effect on the court is very outstanding. His strong performance on the offensive end is also an important factor in the Clippers' victory. Considering that Collins' playing time is not too much, it is very rare to be able to perform like this.

In the NBA regular season last season, Collins was affected by injuries and only played 40 times on behalf of his old club Utah Jazz in 82 games, averaging 30.5 minutes per game. Minutes, he averaged 18.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block per game, as well as 2.6 turnovers and 2.9 fouls. He shot 52.7% from the field, 39.9% from the three-point range, and 84.8% from the free throw line. Since the preseason, Collins has averaged 19.8 minutes per game in the first three games, averaging 16 points, 4.7 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.3 blocks, 1.7 turnovers and 1.3 fouls. He shot 69.6% from the field, 66.7% from the three-point range, and 85.7% from the free throw line.

The Clippers sent backcourt scorer Norman Powell to the Miami Heat in a three-way trade this summer and acquired Collins from the Utah Jazz. Powell's performance last season is obvious to all. He even performed as the league's top scorer in the first half of last season. The Clippers chose to send him away, which also shows that they highly recognize Collins' ability. Collins' performance in the first two preseason games was so-so and could not be regarded as particularly outstanding, but he finally achieved a super explosion in this game. With Collins' performance, we have reason to believe that as he further adapts to the team's rhythm and style of play, his performance will further improve.