Clippers Return Home to Lead the Western Conference
The LA Clippers have returned home from their season-long Grammy road trip, and despite some defensive struggles, they find themselves at the top of the Western Conference. Coach Tyronn Lue, although pleased with their winning record on the trip, emphasized the need for improvement on the defensive end. The Clippers scored their second-most points all season but also allowed their most points in a win. Lue expressed his desire for better communication and playing through the game.
Historically, this road trip has been a challenge for the Clippers franchise. The Buffalo Braves, the team’s original incarnation, lost all eight games on a season-ending road trip in 1972-73. Since moving to Los Angeles in 1984, the Clippers have had 25 road trips of at least seven games, with this year’s trip being only the sixth winning record. The previous best record was in 2014-15 when they also won six out of seven games.
On the court, forward Kawhi Leonard led the way for the Clippers, averaging 28.0 points per game while shooting an impressive 58.8 percent from the field. He was named Player of the Week in the Western Conference for the first time this season. There is also growing MVP buzz surrounding Leonard due to his efficiency and effectiveness in winning games. Interestingly, Leonard played only 23 fourth-quarter minutes in the past seven games, highlighting the dominance of the Clippers during this road trip.
While Leonard’s performance was outstanding, fellow forward Paul George struggled with injuries. George battled a groin injury throughout the trip but managed to play in key wins against Toronto and Boston. However, he needed to miss a game in Washington to recover fully. Despite his injury woes, George was named an All-Star for the ninth time this season. Both Leonard and George have missed minimal games this season, a testament to their importance to the team.
Point guard James Harden played a crucial role for the Clippers during the Grammy road trip, averaging a team-high 35.3 minutes per game. Harden’s presence on the court resulted in the Clippers outscoring their opponents by an average of 15.7 points per game. He showcased his versatility, contributing in scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defense. Despite his workload, Harden expressed satisfaction with the team’s record on the trip and emphasized the importance of staying focused.
Veteran guard Russell Westbrook also had a notable trip, reaching the 25,000-point milestone in Detroit. Westbrook embraced the road atmosphere and appreciated the support from fans, acknowledging that every game is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on someone. His dedication and performance were commendable throughout the trip.
Although the road trip was successful overall, there were areas of concern for the Clippers. Leonard called out the team’s defensive effort, and Lue expressed dissatisfaction with their performance in Atlanta. Defensive rebounding was identified as a significant area for improvement. The Clippers recognize the need for athletic size and are actively seeking reinforcements in this regard.
As the Clippers return home, they face the oversized New Orleans Pelicans before the trade deadline. Despite their top seed in the West, Lue emphasizes the importance of sharpening their defensive skills to become an elite team. The Clippers have shown glimpses of their defensive capabilities but acknowledge the need for improvement. As they continue their journey towards the playoffs, they aim to clean up their game and solidify their defensive prowess.
In conclusion, the LA Clippers’ successful Grammy road trip has propelled them to the top of the Western Conference. Led by Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook, the team showcased their offensive firepower and resilience. However, their defensive struggles and rebounding issues remain areas of concern. With their sights set on deep playoff runs, the Clippers understand that defense will be the key to their success. As they return home, they look to address these concerns and strengthen their position in the highly competitive Western Conference.
(Photo of James Harden and Kawhi Leonard: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)