INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Kobe Sanders had an unexpected surprise just before game time: he would start for the Los Angeles Clippers against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. With James Harden sidelined due to shoulder stiffness, it was up to Sanders and teammate Kris Dunn to step up and handle the challenge.
It wasn’t his first start this season, but it turned out to be his best. Sanders scored a career-high 20 points and snagged seven rebounds in 36 minutes, leading the Clippers to a tight 103-102 win.
After the game, rapper Snoop Dogg revealed he didn’t know much about Sanders before the match. Now, many fans are taking note of the young player. Drafted by the New York Knicks last year, Sanders was traded to the Clippers. He spent four years at Cal Poly, scoring over 1,000 points, before transferring to Nevada and earning All-Mountain West honors after a fifth season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Although I’m a rookie, I’ve played a lot of basketball,” Sanders said. His time on the court has helped him develop a strong basketball IQ. Interestingly, Sanders wasn’t named after Lakers legend Kobe Bryant; rather, his parents named him after their favorite restaurant, Kobe Japanese Steak House in Palm Springs.
With Harden out, Sanders knew he’d get substantial playing time. He wasn’t nervous about making mistakes. “This season has given me freedom. Coaches tell me to be aggressive and keep going,” he shared.
Veteran teammate Kawhi Leonard has also been encouraging him. “I tell him to keep pushing. This is his chance to grow,” Leonard mentioned in a post-game interview.
In a twist, Curry fouled out late in the game for the first time since 2021, leaving the floor after scoring 27 points. Sanders admitted he felt relieved, but the win was important for a team that has faced numerous injuries this season, currently holding a 13-22 record yet showing promise with a 7-3 run in their last 10 games.
Coach Tyronn Lue praised Sanders, noting, “He had 20 turnovers, but with less ballhandling on the court, he really carried the load. His poise and understanding on both ends have been impressive.”
Teammate John Collins called Sanders’ performance “big time.” Despite a rocky start to his NBA career, Collins noted, “He stepped up just like we all knew he would.”
While the Clippers typically avoid playing rookies, Sanders isn’t letting that discourage him. “You learn something new every game. The NBA is about consistency and opportunity. I’m grateful for this chance and just want to keep it going,” he said.
As of 2023, only about 15% of NBA players are rookies, making Sanders’ emergence all the more significant. His resilience and drive serve as a reminder of the determination needed to succeed at the highest levels of sports. Through this journey, fans continue to watch his growth closely, and it’s clear that Kobe Sanders has the potential to make a big impact in the league.
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