The Los Angeles Clippers are one attention-grabbing case. The crew’s famous person, Kawhi Leonard, has loved being obtainable for his crew for the higher a part of two months now. So far this season, they’ve dismissed Hall of Fame level guard Chris Paul and have been coping with a league investigation. Needless to say, the early a part of this season was an uphill climb for the Clippers, particularly with Leonard out of the lineup to start the 12 months. However, as of late, he has been placing up some wonderful numbers. It has led the Clippers to an 8-2 report over their previous 10 video games.
Kawhi Leonard is heating up
While the Clippers have been tearing it up, Leonard has been averaging 32.5 factors per sport during the last 10 as nicely. Within that run, he even has a few 40+ level video games in there as nicely. His influence on successful is plain. But what stays to be seen is that if his crew can proceed their successful methods all through the second a part of the season. Not to say whether or not or not he’ll be obtainable sufficient for the Clippers to make a as soon as very unsure playoff run.
As it stands presently, the NBA All-Star Game internet hosting Clippers sit in eleventh place within the Western Conference. They’re two video games behind tenth place. A season ending within the tenth spot would permit them to take part in play-in video games in the course of the postseason. If, by some stroke of luck, the Clippers end within the sixth spot or greater, they’ll formally keep away from the play-in. This implies that they’re exhibiting indicators of life on the proper time.
Perfect timing for the Clippers
When you think about the present run they’re on, the opposite cause that is essential is February. NBA All-Star Weekend is arising rapidly on the horizon. It could be unlucky for the host crew to be stepping into a complete downward spiral in the course of the weekend’s festivities. With the Clippers battling a difficult press all through this season, it’s actually the very last thing that they want. In addition, the fanbase actually deserves a break; they’ve been put by means of the wringer, indisputably.
Ultimately, I don’t assume that the Clippers are getting their lives collectively too late. This might be the proper time for them to be determining methods to win over extended stretches. As for the ramifications of the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers’ contractual practices, it stays to be seen. But hopefully, it received’t present an excessive amount of of a distraction as we head into the center of the season. In truth, I’m assured that the NBA will sq. all of this away by the top of January, giving All-Star Weekend a contemporary palette for everybody concerned.
For Leonard’s sake, I hope that he stays wholesome and prepared to play. The Clippers have routinely underachieved all through their existence. But they’ve woefully underachieved since transferring into their new digs at Intuit Dome. If they wish to not be the bridesmaid and develop into the bride, they don’t have any alternative however to win. I doubt they’ll make waves this season in a extra consequential manner; nonetheless, crazier issues have occurred.