Clippers Are Playing Better, But It’s Still Not Enough

The Clippers have lost eight games this season with a point differential of five or less. With a team as experienced as the Clippers, closing out games should be an expertise and not a flaw. Yet it is only one of many flaws Los Angeles has harbored this season, and it will likely continue until a major change happens.

Unsustainable play

As expected, the Clippers are relying more on isolations from their primary scorers, with Harden serving as the anchor and still regarded as a star. Both he and Leonard are in their mid-30s yet are expected to carry the isolation scoring load while logging 30-plus minutes per game.

If Steve Ballmer and GM Lawrence Frank ride with this current core for the rest of the season, they’d have to keep in mind the lack of depth the roster has, as well as the lingering issue of availability to Leonard. The inclusion of young players—Kobe Sanders, Kobe Brown, and Cam Christie—has yet to yield immediate results, but they are producing as expected at this stage of their careers.

Derrick Jones Jr. and Bradley Beal, who are out due to major injuries, are still very much missed in the lineup. Jones Jr. could have been an integral piece for Ty Lue in certain situations, especially when John Collins’ deficiencies were being exploited. Beal, despite his dip in scoring, remained an outside threat and, had he stayed healthy, could have eased the heavy load on Harden and Leonard.

The Last Word on the Clippers 

As it stands, the Clippers are 6-19 and are the third-worst team in the NBA. Despite their offense and defense improving each game, the problems present at the beginning of the season are still apparent.

As the players try desperately to win games, it’s time for the front office to share the same sense of urgency by making moves to bolster the team as early as possible.