Are Clippers Finding Their Stride?
We are often prisoners of the moment when it comes to sports, putting too much stock into one game. This can be especially dangerous in the NBA, where the season is less of a sprint and more of a marathon.
Despite the fact we all know this to be the case, it doesn’t stop us from proclaiming the next NBA champion or the league’s biggest bust 10 games into the season.
The Clippers are a great example of this rush to judgment. Pegged as one of the frontrunners to compete for the NBA championship in the 2014-2015 season, talk quickly turned to what might be wrong with Los Angeles as the Clippers found themselves on the losing end of a one-sided game against the Chicago Bulls that dropped them to a very mediocre 5-4 after their first 9 games.
Those that saw the Clippers as championship material quickly began to look for the reason behind their slow start. Were the Clippers struggling with the pressure of high expectations? Maybe the team was dealing with a bit of a post-Sterling hangover? Either way, the Clippers quickly went from championship favorite to big disappointment.
For those that weren’t sold on the Clippers, they didn’t hesitate to point to the troubles the team showed last year on the defensive end. They looked to the struggles the Clippers showed last year when trying to execute in the half-court offense. The slow start was their validation that the Clippers were not ready for the big time.
Since that time, the Clippers have found themselves winning 9 of their last 10 (including a currently-active 7 game winning streak). Suddenly, the 5-4 start seems like a very distant memory.
Have the Clippers found that formula for success? Or might there still be reason for concern?
From an offensive side, the Clippers are proving to be every bit as potent as expected. They currently lead the league in FG%, and 3pt% while coming in 4th in points per game and 5th in assists per game.
Even on the defensive side of the ball, the Clippers are starting to show signs of improvement. While they currently find themselves sitting in the middle of the pack in opponents FG% (14th), they have quietly entered the top 10 in opponent’s points per game.
The defense may not be elite. But an ability to make key stops when they are needed may be enough for a team so potent offensively.
Nov 26, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) brings the ball up court against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
If there are any reasons to be concerned, they may be a result of a potential lack of depth.
Despite having Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan on the roster, the Clippers rank near the bottom of the league in rebounding. Outside of Blake and Jordan, the Clippers are not a big team. Their primary front-court bench contributors are Spencer Hawes (best known for his outside shooting) and Glen Davis (an undersized power forward).
Losing either Blake or Jordan would result in a significant drop-off in both rebounding and interior defense. DeAndre Jordan is often overlooked due to his limited offensive game, but he is the primary (and maybe only) rim protector on the roster for LA.
The small forward positon continues to be a bit of a question mark for the team as well. While Matt Barnes is a high-energy guy that can provide a spark on the defensive side of the ball and occasionally hit the open 3-point shot, he has not proven capable of being a consistent offensive threat. This has often forced the Clippers to play Jamal Crawford at small forward, where he finds himself matched up against bigger and stronger competition on the defensive end.
Hedo Turkoglu and Chris Douglas-Roberts were brought in to help provide depth at the small forward position, but injuries and inconsistency have limited their impact through the first month.
Depth may be a concern at the point guard position as well. The Clipper brought in Jordan Farmar to play the role of primary backup to Chris Paul. Unfortunately, Jordan missed the last game due to a back injury and this may become a familiar problem for the Clippers as Jordan has suffered with injury problems in the past. If he does miss significant time at any point during the season, the Clippers may struggle to find time to give Chris Paul the rest he needs as the year continues.
Have the Clippers fixed what ailed them during their sup-par start and returned to the short list of championship contenders? It really is too early to tell. But, as owners of a 7-game winning streak, it is hard to argue that the Clippers have found a formula that appears to be working for them now.