Grading the LA Clippers’ Mid-Season Turnaround

Grading the Los Angeles Clippers’ mid-season turnaround requires a look at their struggles at the start of the season as well as their recent surge to correct course. Opening the season with a 6-21 record, the season looked to be over as soon as it had begun. Significant injuries and a struggling defense told the story of their early-season woes.

The Clippers currently possess a defensive rating of  115.7, putting them 20th in the league. They are also 29th in pace, making them one of the slowest teams in the league, leading them to have difficulty creating transition opportunities.

Going into the season, they featured one of the NBA’s oldest rosters, which magnified the impact of injuries early on and limited their ability to sustain high-energy play over a long stretch. Bradley Beal underwent season-ending surgery in November to repair a fracture in his hip. Kawhi Leonard also missed games at the beginning of the season due to right foot and ankle injuries. Factor in other key players dealing with intermittent injuries, and it’s clear to see why the Clippers struggled to find consistency on either end of the floor early in the season.

Grading the LA Clippers’ Mid-Season Turnaround

After that rough start, the Clippers were able to turn things around with a surge after Christmas. Led by an impressive offensive stretch from Leonard, they went 11-4 in the month of January, including a six-game winning streak. Heading into the All-Star break, they are now 26-28, just two games below .500. This record is enough for them to currently occupy the ninth seed in the Western Conference, three games back of the Golden State Warriors.

The Clippers have clawed their way back into playoff contention and look to carry their newfound momentum past the All-Star break. Sustaining this level of play past the break can keep them on the course for a legitimate playoff run.

Trade Deadline Acquisitions

The Clippers dealt both James Harden and Ivica Zubac before the deadline for younger, promising players. These were two moves that indicate the Clippers are re-prioritizing for the future. The acquisitions signal a shift to building a young core centering around Leonard, aiming to build continued success over the next few seasons.

In the Harden deal, the Clippers acquired 26-year-old Darius Garland and a second-round pick from the Cleveland Cavaliers. They received a two-time All-Star in Garland, who is averaging 18 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 6.9 assists. A grade one sprain of his right big toe has had him sidelined since January 14th, but he will be a big contributor upon his return.