Clippers Finding True Identity
Before making the recent trades and buyout market in February, the Clippers were discussing having one of the best defensive systems in the league, which was coming from assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy.
The LA Clippers had an excellent defensive team, which was part of the factor the Clippers are still a top-6 team in the Western Conference.
PHOTO: Kirby Lee/Imagn Images
Though the Clippers are currently on a 3-game losing streak and are still adjusting to the roster changes for the team, there are some bright spots for the Clippers.
Kawhi’s return to the team in January has lifted the Clippers team to a championship-caliber team under head coach Ty Lue. The Clippers have versatile wings on the court, like Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr, Nicolas Batum, and Zubac.
With additions like Bogdan Bogdanovic and Ben Simmons on the team, both can help contribute in ways the Clippers need the most.
Bogdanovic is a scorer who can help take the ball off Harden and Kawhi Leonard at times and is also another sharp-shooter at 3-pointers like Norman Powell. Ben Simmons can play any position on the court and can guard any position.
Even though the Clipper’s identity has fallen off throughout the start of February, the team’s urgency and effort are no longer evident; It also shows why the team is on a losing streak, which is also playing a factor. For much of the first half of the season, the Clippers have had a great season, especially regarding its defense.
In the first eight games in February, the LA Clippers posted a defensive rating of 116.5, 20th in the league.
The team is 3-5 this month. Some of the wins came from a win against 14-42 Utah Jazz. The third win of February came against the Memphis Grizzlies.
As the season heads down the stretch, the Clippers must step up on offense and defense to make a run for the playoffs.
The Clippers team in February was completely different from what it was like in the first couple of months of the season.
PHOTO: Kirby Lee/Imagn Images
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Categorized:Clippers