Los Angeles Clippers forward John Collins joined elite NBA company in team's win over the Detroit Pistons
The Los Angeles Clippers have been on an absolute tear as of late, entering Saturday's contest against the Detroit Pistons with an 8-2 record in their past 10 games. After the season looked lost, Kawhi Leonard started playing at an MVP level, while James Harden did his part as an elite second-option. However, those two can't do it alone.
The Clippers were able to squeeze out a 98-92 win against the Pistons on Saturday, as they were shorthanded without Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Tobias Harris. While Leonard did lead the team in scoring with 26 points, it was John Collins who was the player of the game for the Clippers.
John Collins Puts Up Historic Statline
Collins finished the contest posting 25 points, seven rebounds, four steals, and four blocks while leading the team with a +19 plus-minus. According to The Athletic's Law Murray, Collins became the ninth player in NBA history to have four or more threes, four or more steals, and four or more blocks in a game.
He joins an elite list of players, featuring his teammate James Harden, as well as current stars Jamal Murray, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Victor Wembanyama.
Collins entered Saturday's contest posting the second-lowest scoring average of his career at 13.0 points per game, but he is stepping it up as of late. In January, through six games, he's averaging 18 points, 6.3 rebounds, and two blocks per game.
He didn't begin the season as a starter, but is now starting to find his groove in the lineup alongside other stars. Once viewed as a future All-Star during his time in Atlanta, Collins' career has taken a different path, but he seems to be finding a way to contribute to winning basketball. In the final year of his five-year, $125 million contract, he's doing his part to secure his next extension.
Does A Future In Los Angeles Make Sense For Collins?
As the saying goes, sometimes the grass isn't always greener, and that could be the case for Collins. Even if he continues to play the rest of the season like he has to start 2026, he likely isn't going to see a similar $25 million per year payday.
Given Collins' fit next to Ivica Zubac, it does make sense from a schematic standpoint for Collins to remain with the Clippers. However, there's no telling where the direction of this roster is heading, especially since they don't have control of any of their first-round picks going forward to add quality young talent.
But if Collins doesn't decide to chase money elsewhere or fill in as a starting forward for a contending team, remaining with the Clippers seems like a safe option.