NBA pre-season: Dante Exum returns fire with big performance against Los Angeles Clippers

DANTE Exum has closed out the toughest week of his fledgling US career with his second consecutive strong performance.

Dante Exum, DeAndre Jordan

DANTE Exum has closed out the toughest week of his fledgling US career with his second consecutive strong performance.

Exum had nine points, two assists and a rebound in almost 17 minutes of game time during the Utah Jazz’s 101-97 pre-season defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Australian teenager drew high praise from Clippers coach Doc Rivers before the game and did little to dissuade him from his view after shooting three-from-five from the field.

“I like him a lot. I was just talking about him,” Rivers told reporters.

Asked Doc about Exum. He likes him. "How old is he anyway?" the coach asks. "19," I say. Doc: "Jesus."

— Aaron Falk (@tribjazz) October 18, 2014

“I think he’s going to be really good. I just think he’s so darn long.

“He could grow two more inches. But he’s a better shooter already than I thought he was. With his ability to handle the ball, he could be a giant point. He’s gonna be great, I think,” Rivers added.

Saturday’s pre-season game was significant as it pitted Exum against the Clippers’ veteran guard Chris Paul, who dominated him just four days earlier.

Exum committed eight turnovers during that match-up and had few answers for the guile and physicality of Paul.

WATCH EXUM’S HIGHLIGHTS IN THE PLAYER BELOW.

This time it was a different story, however, as Exum maintained his composure throughout his time on the court against one of the strongest teams in the league. He committed no turnovers.

Dante Exum's first step is E-L-I-T-E

— Tony Jones (@Tjonessltrib) October 18, 2014

Dante Exum might just be okay after all. Rookie slashed to the rim, drew contact and scored the layup. 33-33. Exum with a free throw coming.

— Aaron Falk (@tribjazz) October 18, 2014

Exum closed off Jamal Crawford's drive and forced him to bounce it off his leg and out of bounds. Not many vets do that to Crawford.

— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) October 18, 2014

Dante Exum with another 3. He told me he's worked on having a higher release point on his shot and keeping his arm extended after shooting.

— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) October 18, 2014

The performance against the Clippers rounded out a week in which Exum came in for heavy criticism from ESPN pundits Bill Simmons and Jalen Rose.

The 19-year-old responded the following day with a classy display against the Los Angeles Lakers, during which he amassed 13 points, six assists and a rebound.

“I thought he had his best game,” Jazz coach Quin Snyder said at the time.

Exum continued that strong vein of form against the Clippers today and looks set to make an immediate impact on the NBA when the season begins later this month.

The most impressive thing about Exum's first half: Not the points or the playmaking. But that time, Paul tried to drive and he cut him off

— Tony Jones (@Tjonessltrib) October 18, 2014

Holy cow, that list pick-and-roll by Exum. So patient initially. So explosive when he saw the defender relax. And-one. #UTAatLAC

— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) October 18, 2014

That burst by Dante Exum...wow. Rookie gets clobbered en route to the hoop, but he scooped in a layup while being fouled.

— Jody Genessy (@DJJazzyJody) October 18, 2014

The Jazz-Clippers clash was otherwise notable for a fiery clash between Trevor Booker and Blake Griffin, who almost came to blows.

Blake Griffin and Trevor Booker fight. https://t.co/8J0b2VZc01

— Kevin Rashidi (@KevinRashidi) October 18, 2014

Booker later sprained his ankle, which could open the door for Aussie Brock Motum to receive more court time. Neither Motum (Jazz) nor Joe Ingles (Clippers) were deployed by their respective teams.

Might see more of Brock Motum in upcoming games. RT @tribjazz Trevor Booker has a sprained right ankle and won't return, Jazz PR says.

— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) October 18, 2014

Two other Aussies were in action across the NBA.

Matthew Dellavedova’s performance during the Cavaliers’ pre-season 108-102 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks won’t be remembered for his three points, four rebounds and three assists in 31 minutes.

Rather it was notable for a hilarious height mismatch with Mavericks giant Dirk Nowitzki.

Dirk Nowitzki does epic ball fake against Matthew Dellavedova RT @crabdribbles https://t.co/G6U8IPTRZr

— ThatNBALotteryPick (@ThatNBAPick) October 18, 2014

Andrew Bogut, meanwhile, amassed seven assists, four rebounds and two steals as the Golden State Warriors fell to a 115-108 pre-season defeat to the Miami Heat.

Bogut currently has game-high 7 assists in 28 minutes. His regular-season career-high for assists is 8 vs. Toronto in 2007.

— GSWStats (@gswstats) October 18, 2014

Originally published as NBA pre-season: Dante Exum returns fire with big performance against Los Angeles Clippers