The Los Angeles Clippers didn’t just win on Sunday-they dominated. In what was expected to be a competitive matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, the Clippers turned it into a statement game, cruising to a 126-89 victory. But while the scoreboard told one story, a fiery moment on the court added another layer to the night.
Midway through the action, things got heated when Nets rookie Egor Demin fouled James Harden. That’s when John Collins stepped in-literally and emphatically.
Not one to let a teammate take a hit without a response, Collins confronted Demin with a shove that sparked a brief on-court scuffle. Terance Mann quickly intervened, pushing Collins aside to de-escalate the situation, but the message had already been sent: Collins has Harden’s back.
After the game, Collins didn’t shy away from explaining his reaction. “It’s everything that I stand for,” he said.
“Whenever I’m challenged, I feel like it brings the dog out of me. Especially when you wanna be physical as well and be physical with my teammates.
It turns me up… You gonna go touch Uno, I’m gonna come see you too. I’ll be around.”
That kind of energy-raw, emotional, and team-first-is exactly what’s helped Collins carve out his role in Los Angeles. He’s not just producing on the court; he’s becoming part of the Clippers’ identity.
And his bond with Harden clearly runs deeper than just shared minutes. Collins made it clear that his reaction wasn’t just about the foul-it was about protecting a teammate, a friend, and a brother in arms.
That chemistry matters, especially for a Clippers team that’s still trying to find consistent footing this season. While the team as a whole has seen its ups and downs, Collins has been one of the more reliable contributors. Averaging 13.2 points per game, he’s given the Clippers a steady presence-both in the box score and in the locker room.
And now, with his six-month extend-and-trade restriction officially lifted, Collins isn’t hiding how he feels about his future. “I feel like I’ve done what I can… I want to be in LA, want to be a Clipper,” he said. That’s a strong statement from a player who’s clearly bought in-not just to the jersey, but to the culture the Clippers are trying to build.
For a team that’s been searching for the right mix of talent, toughness, and chemistry, Collins might be more than just a solid contributor-he could be a foundational piece. If his words match his actions, and the Clippers feel the same way, this could be the beginning of a long-term partnership.
The win was big. The statement Collins made? Even bigger.