So far the Los Angeles Clippers have had a ton of disappointments in the playoffs since they’ve become the dominant team in LA.
Well with only 3 games left on their schedule this season, they’ve quietly been tied for the second best record (8-2) in the last 10 games. The playoffs are right around the corner, with all of the Clippers stars healthy, they’re beginning to look like the 14-2 team that started an impressive season for LA.
Sitting at the 5th seed out West, Los Angeles is only half a game back from the 48-30 Utah Jazz. Utah has a tough set of games remaining on their schedule, that includes: Minnesota, Portland, Golden State and San Antonio. If Utah can’t hold onto their 4th seed, the Clippers can grab homecourt over Utah for the series, and potentially set themselves up for an interesting matchup against the only team in the NBA with 4 All-Stars, the reigning 2-time Western Conference Champion Golden State Warriors.
The Clippers have been highly underestimated as a team after their consecutive subpar playoff performances. Although, Los Angeles does matchup well with almost every team in the NBA, they’ve never been consistent enough to get over their playoff hump.
They have one of the most balanced lineups in the NBA, with their only weakness being at the small forward position. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (5.8 PPG) being their starting small forward and their only starter averaging less than 12 PPG; he’s a defensive juggernaut that is supposed to be their weapon to not necessarily “stop” former MVP Kevin Durant (because you can’t “stop” Kevin Durant) in a potential matchup against Golden State, but he should be able to prevent him from being as efficient (53% FG) as he’s been this season.
The Los Angeles Clippers have to play all of their cards right if they want to finally make this season the one where they exceed expectations and become an NBA Finals or Western Conference Finals contender. 9x All-Star Chris Paul is only getting older (31) and it’s only a matter of time until 4x All-NBA team member, Blake Griffin needs a new change of scenery for the Clippers’ lack of championship contention.
