Clippers Quiet Offseason Addition Propelling Unlikely Bid

The Los Angeles Clippers are defying expectations this season. Despite losing Paul George in free agency and Kawhi Leonard battling injuries, the Clippers sit sixth in the Western Conference. Few predicted this outcome, especially after their middling defense last season, ranking 16th in defensive rating. However, the Clippers have embraced a new identity built on stingy defense. Currently, they rank second in defensive rating at 107.2, showcasing a complete turnaround. Surprisingly, their best defender, based on reputation, has only played seven games this season. The Clippers defensive success stems from critical offseason moves, most notably the addition of Jeff Van Gundy as lead assistant coach.

Clippers’ Jeff Van Gundy Propelling Unlikely Postseason Bid

Jeff Van Gundy’s Impact on the Clippers

Van Gundy has transformed the Clippers’ defensive schemes and culture. Head coach Tyronn Lue praised his influence early on, saying, “JVG, Jeff Van Gundy… He’ll be the guy, make sure we set the tone, make sure we’re talking defensively.” Known as a defensive mastermind, Van Gundy has implemented strategies that emphasize aggressiveness, communication, and attention to detail.

Before the season began, Van Gundy watched all 88 Clippers games from last season, including playoffs. He identified gaps in their defensive approach and tailored adjustments to address them. Last season’s defense emphasized taking away the middle of the floor. This year, the Clippers send help to the middle, allowing Ivica Zubac to protect the rim more effectively.

Van Gundy’s history of success speaks volumes. As an assistant and head coach, his defenses have consistently ranked in the league’s top half. In New York and Houston, his teams allowed the fewest points in the paint eight times. This season, the Clippers have jumped from 14th to sixth in opponents’ points in the paint, showing Van Gundy’s influence.

Veteran Additions Bolster Defense

The Clippers’ offseason signings have complemented Van Gundy’s defensive philosophy. Adding Kris Dunn via a sign-and-trade and signing Derrick Jones Jr. in free agency brought much-needed length and athleticism to the roster. Both players contribute to the team’s aggressive, physical defense.

These additions helped the Clippers improve in defensive rebounding and second-chance opportunities. Last year, they ranked 24th in defensive rebounding percentage. This season, they rank second, trailing only the Milwaukee Bucks. Consequently, they allow the second-fewest second-chance points in the league.

Limiting Opponent 3-Point Success

The Clippers have also made significant strides in defending the three-point line. Last season, they ranked 14th in corner threes allowed. This year, they rank eighth in opponents’ corner threes (8.8) and ninth in opponents’ corner three-point percentage (37.3%).

Lue explained the approach: “The game is so different, teams are taking so many of them; you really can’t stop teams from taking 3s. But… we don’t want to give up corner 3s. Above-the-break 3s, we want to get out, challenge and contest. But in the corners, we’ve got to make sure we’re running guys off.”

Forcing Turnovers Through Aggression

Van Gundy has emphasized creating turnovers to fuel fast breaks. “We’ve got to be aggressive,” Lue said. “JVG is doing a great job of implementing a system that we want to run defensively, and we’ve got to create more turnovers.”

The Clippers rank eighth in deflections and recover 57.8% of loose balls, good for fourth in the NBA. Their commitment to hustle and intensity has helped them remain disruptive throughout games.

A Blueprint for Playoff Success

The Clippers’ defensive transformation has not gone unnoticed. In a recent game against the Celtics, they forced Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown into 10 turnovers. Against the Lakers, Austin Reaves, LeBron James and Anthony Davis struggled, committing 13 turnovers.

Van Gundy’s schemes consistently disrupt elite opponents, making the Clippers a formidable defensive force. His leadership has helped the team achieve their pre-season goal of becoming a top-five defense, a marked improvement from last season.

As the Clippers approach the postseason, their defense gives them a legitimate chance for a deep playoff run. As coaching great Bear Bryant once said, “Offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships.” The Clippers probably won’t win a championship this season but they seem poised to prove this timeless adage true.