The Los Angeles Clippers are making a remarkable turnaround as they approach the final stretch of the season, demonstrating resilience and determination by winning 20 of their last 27 games. After a rocky start with a record of 6-21, the team has climbed to a record of 26-28, putting them just behind the Portland Trail Blazers for ninth place in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.
The dynamics of the team have shifted significantly since the beginning of February, particularly with the departure of star player James Harden, who was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Darius Garland, a promising point guard a decade younger than Harden. Additionally, fan favorite Ivica Zubac was sent to the Indiana Pacers in a deal that brought forward Bennedict Mathurin and center Isaiah Jackson, alongside future draft picks. These changes leave several key questions for the Clippers as they navigate the final 28 games of the regular season.
A critical factor for the Clippers’ success is the health of Kawhi Leonard. With the loss of both Harden and Zubac, Leonard has stepped up his performances, averaging 30.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in the five games following the trade deadline. His impressive display during the All-Star Game, where he scored a total of 37 points, reflects his readiness to take on a heavier load. Leonard acknowledges the need to maintain their recent competitive spirit and effort levels as they strive for postseason contention.
Clippers president of basketball operations, Lawrence Frank, expressed confidence in Leonard’s ability to elevate his game while prioritizing his health, asserting that they will avoid pushing him too hard.
Darius Garland’s integration into the team is another point of interest. The 26-year-old guard, known for his ball-handling skills, has a career average of 6.7 assists and 18.8 points per game but has struggled with injuries this season. Frank indicated that Garland could make his Clippers debut after the All-Star break, although he stressed the importance of managing his return carefully.
The organization is also navigating challenges related to the ongoing NBA investigation concerning their deal with Aspiration, an environmental firm. If found to have violated salary cap rules, the team could face various penalties, including the loss of draft picks. Despite this looming uncertainty, Frank remains optimistic, stating their belief that they have acted appropriately.
As the Clippers aim to surpass the .500 mark, Leonard emphasizes the importance of consistency and competitive spirit. The team has been close to achieving this milestone multiple times but has struggled to maintain their momentum. Leonard remains hopeful that their recent efforts will lead to continued success and a spot in the Play-In Tournament.
With the departures of veterans like Harden and Zubac, Coach Tyronn Lue will be exploring deeper roster options to find late-game contributions. Players like Jordan Miller, who has thrived since joining the rotation, will be vital to the team’s success going forward. Additionally, rookies Kobe Sanders and Yanic Konan Niederhauser have emerged as valuable energy players, further strengthening the Clippers’ depth as they push towards the postseason.
The Clippers’ journey through the remainder of the season is a testament to their determination and resilience, as they adapt to new challenges and aim for postseason play.