The Clippers Have To Figure Out How To Re-Write Their Epic Tragedy
By Keith Rivas
From Doc Rivers to fine-tuning their inner chemistry, the LA Clippers have another thing coming if they don’t right the ship very, very soon
We saw history unfold in 2015 for the Clippers, and not for the better.
Less than a dozen times has it happened before where a team leading 3-1 in a playoff series finds a way to fumble it all and lose in a tragic Game 7 defeat — in basketball, at least.
With that, the Clippers are not in good hands coming into 2016.
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One major thing they showed us without question is the fact that a remotely promising regular season and, heck, even knocking off the defending champs, doesn’t do anything for your ball club if you can’t continue to produce under pressure.
Now the question turns not to what they need to learn but if and when.
And better now than ever.
Chris Paul got a taste at what the verge of victory feels like while the rest of the team garnered a little more experience to throw on their resume.
But by far their biggest accomplishment was getting past the Spurs in round one.
And they barely did that.
Knowing also that there’s still no love lost between the Clippers and the Lakers (fans, front office, players, etc.), the coming season in the NBA will be the ultimate treat if you’re a fan of rivalries that live up to their expectations.
Because the battle for Los Angeles will be far from a disappointment.
On the chemistry side of things the Clippers need to figure out some communication errors in the locker room.
Doc Rivers is a coach that has taken an average status franchise to above and beyond before (succeeding against the Lakers, of all teams, in the Finals), so it can’t be all his fault.
Yes, he’s the head coach and should take a lot of responsibility for his teams shortfalls and successes, but this is definitely not a one-man burden.
Or a one-man team. You can’t win like that.
Even the Cavaliers are figuring that out.
While the Clippers are from from the LeBron James-touched talent in Cleveland, they did prove they’ve got guts because the Western Conference was not easy this year and next season, of course, will only be harder.
Whether win or lose in the NBA Finals right now, the Golden State Warriors will be coming back with a vengeance to still convert any doubters or haters still in their midst.
We’ll get to see the new-look Lakers coming back at full strength to try and give Kobe Bryant his passing wish of a title — or at least a memorable season.
Bottom Line: Clippers Can’t Let The Hate Get To Them
DeMarcus Cousins & Co. over in Sacramento will want to capitalize on their previous early season success and prolong that as the year progresses.
But only time will tell for the Clippers.
Because we thought they gave it all they had this year.
And they’ll have to prove us wrong again in 2016 to change any of that.