LA Clippers Strengthen Playoff Push With Key Wins

The Los Angeles Clippers strengthened their playoff push with two consecutive key wins over playoff teams. They have taken the eighth seed and now sit one game ahead of the Golden State Warriors.

With victories over the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves, the Clippers have not only improved their standings but also added legitimacy to their postseason push. Both of those teams sit comfortably in the playoff picture. The Clippers have found their stride at the right time. With the season winding down, these wins help them close down on a playoff spot and signal that they can compete when meaningful games are played in April.

The Clippers beat the sixth-seeded Timberwolves by a 25-point margin in an authoritative late-season win Wednesday, 153-128. They also had their highest scoring output of the season, shooting 19-for-37 from three. This was a statement win against a playoff team, with all the Clippers’ remaining games having high stakes.

LA Clippers Strengthen Playoff Push With Key Wins

The Clippers started the season terribly, with a record of 6-21 after the first couple of months. After Kawhi Leonard made his season debut on January 4th,  the Clippers started a major turnaround. Heading into the All-Star Break, they improved to 26-28, clawing their way back into the playoff picture.

Now in March, the Clippers have sole possession of the eighth seed and have a record above .500 of 33-32. After their win against the Timberwolves, they became the first team in NBA history to move above .500 after falling at least 15 games below .500 in the same season.

The turnaround has come from Leonard’s amazing offensive performances and the acquisition of young, developing talent at the trade deadline. While they aren’t out of the woods yet, their last two victories have been convincing and show that the Clippers are developing an identity at the right time.

Finding Form As Playoffs Approach

Since returning from the All-Star break, the Clippers are 8-4. This stretch has been one of their most consistent runs of the season, propelling them into the eighth seed.

Leonard has been an anchor over this stretch, leading the march for the Clippers playoff push. Against the Timberwolves, he finished with 45 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. He has now scored 20-plus points in 43 consecutive contests for the Clippers.

Bennedict Mathurin has also found his stride, and made an immediate impact since joining the team at the trade deadline. Since the All-Star break, Mathurin is averaging 20.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.

Clippers Hitting Stride At the Perfect Time

There are now just 17 games left in the season for the Clippers, and they are playing great basketball as they try to hold on to the eighth seed. With the wins over the Knicks and Timberwolves, they have shown that they are here to compete. If they can sustain this level of competitiveness they could be a dangerous team to face in the playoffs.

After two consecutive big wins, they find themselves in good position heading into an easier part of their schedule. Five of their next six opponents hold records below .500. The odds are in their favor to add to the win column and further cement their postseason spot.