Clippers' Surprising Run Despite Adversity
Los Angeles Clippers Disappointed with Season Performance: "I'm Furious" (Paraphrased)
Dismiss the idea of the Clippers underachieving this season, despite projections that had them fighting for a play-in spot in the brutal Western Conference. With Kawhi Leonard recovering from a right knee injury and Paul George switching to the 76ers, the odds were stacked against them. But the Clippers didn't let that stop them, pulling off a 50-32 record and grabbing the fifth seed in the West.
The team remained confident, disregarding the chatter that pointed towards a bottom-half finish in the conference. Their dogged determination paid off, even though they were eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs.
"When you lose in the playoffs, it's tough," commented Tyronn Lue, the Clippers' coach after their 120-101 loss in Game 7. "Our players feel bad. We believed from Day 1 and knew we could make it to where we made it to and go further. We fell short," said player Derrick Jones Jr.
A Defensive Powerhouse
Despite George's departure and Leonard's early absence, the Clippers established themselves as one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. They consistently held opponents to 108.2 points per game (the fifth-best in the league) while posting a defensive rating of 109.4 (the third-best).
However, some might argue that their strong showing was more than they should have managed given their star-studded roster's absences.
"Hell naw. Hell naw. We didn't overachieve nothing," Jones asserted. "We believed from Day 1."
Leonard, nursing a 33-year-old frame and with two more years left on his contract at around $50 million per season, appeared in 37 regular season games and seven playoff games. He entered the offseason healthy, a crucial factor for the upcoming season.
Player Decisions Ahead
James Harden delivered a decent regular season average of 22.8 points and 8.7 assists, but his performance in Game 7 was lackluster. Scoring just seven points, it was yet another disappointing moment for the point guard. Harden must decide on a player option for $36 million and give the Clippers his decision by June 29.
Norman Powell, with a career-best average of 21.8 points per game, could be looking for a contract extension. Ivica Zubac also excelled, posting impressive career highs in points (16.8), rebounds (12.6), assists (2.7), and games played (80). He will begin a three-year, $58.6-million extension next season.
With many players under contract and two-way deals, the Clippers possess valuable assets for improving their roster in the offseason. They own a first-round pick (29), a second-round pick, and the non-tax mid-level exception to bolster their team.
"We did a good job during the season," Leonard acknowledged. "A lot of people counted us out, but we were able to get here. But that's never the goal, to just get here."
- The Clippers, despite being predicted to struggle in the Western Conference, managed a 50-32 record and secured the fifth seed, defying expectations in Los Angeles, California.
- Even though they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets, the Clippers proved their mettle as one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, with a defensive rating of 109.4.
- Tyronn Lue, the Clippers' coach, expressed disappointment after their Game 7 loss, while Derrick Jones Jr affirmed their belief from Day 1, denying any overachievement.
- James Harden, with a player option for $36 million due by June 29, had a lackluster performance in the playoffs and will have a crucial decision to make regarding his future with the Clippers.
- Norman Powell, who had a career-best average of 21.8 points per game, and Ivica Zubac, who excelled with impressive career highs, may be looking at contract extensions within the Clippers' team ahead of the new season.
- The Clippers, with valuable assets such as first-round and second-round picks, and the non-tax mid-level exception, have the potential to bolster their roster further in the offseason, aiming to exceed their previous accomplishments in sports, primarily basketball in the NBA.
