Clippers ranked high in several statistical categories last season

The Clippers, who return with many of their core players from last season, play their first exhibition game Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors.

Let’s take a look at how they compared to other teams in various statistical categories last season.

The Clippers averaged the most points a game in the league (107.9). They had the third-highest field goal percentage in the league (47.4%), led by DeAndre Jordan’s 67.6% shooting. They were third in assists (24.6), led by Chris Paul’s league-leading 10.7 a game. And they were sixth in steals, led by Paul’s league-leading 2.5 a game.

The Clippers appeared competent on defense during the regular season, finishing eighth in defensive efficiency. But during the playoffs, the Clippers allowed 108.6 points per 100 possessions, which would have ranked them 28th during the regular season.

They also struggled with three-point shooting, ranking 22nd in the league (35.2%), despite having sharp-shooters Jamal Crawford and J.J. Redick. They were 14th in the league in rebounds, even though Jordan averaged a league-leading 13.6 a game.

The Clippers must improve their defense and their outside shooting in order to be true competitors in the deep, competitive Western Conference.