The Los Angeles Clippers had a rough start to the season, starting at a measly 5-15 record when December arrived. Since slipping to the 14th seed in the Western Conference, Los Angeles has surged all the way to the 11th seed. The struggling would-be contenders clawed their way back by winning 11 of their last 13 games. The franchise star, Kawhi Leonard, has carried the team with a spectacular performance every night. Now the question on the league’s mind is if these red-hot Clippers can keep their winning ways steady until the playoffs start in April.
The two-time Finals MVP has been criticized for years for his load management during the regular season. So far this season, Leonard has started even in back-to-backs, although with minute restrictions in place. During the Clippers’ resurgence in the playoff conversation, he has averaged 32.7 PPG, with a career high and franchise record 55 points in a win over the Detroit Pistons.
Fans have said ever since the former Raptor joined the team back in 2019 that if Leonard stays healthy, this team has a high ceiling.
Leonard has been the focus and highlight of the team during this sudden run of wins, but it hasn’t been a one-man army this whole time. James Harden, rookie Yanic Konan Niederhauserm, and veteran Brook Lopez are just some of the players who have been aiding Leonard.
Lopez had a career-high nine three-pointers in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers, which loosened the pressure on the team’s stars. Yanic has been a rising star as he gets more minutes in the game. His last appearance on the court was scoring 16 points in 23 minutes. Harden is contributing to the team as expected. The 2017 MVP is playing second fiddle to Leonard, but still producing, averaging 25 points so far this season.
The sports world is driving all its attention on Leonard but forget that his teammates are playing a big part in the turnaround.
The “other” LA team is putting its name back into the ring with this recent stretch of games. The addition of the play-in tournament a few seasons back, in which the seventh to 10th seeds battle it out for the last two playoff spots, has made that a possibility. After spiraling down to the floor of the Western Conference, this sudden pump of life in the team has reinvigorated the fan base and players.
The Clippers believe they have a shot at the playoffs in their hands once again. Leonard and the rest of this Los Angeles squad are performing at new highs to carry them there.
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