The Los Angeles Clippers were headed for disaster. A dismal 6-21 start to the season had many writing them off, and their sluggish pace of play (29th in the league) seemed to be a major culprit. But here's the twist: instead of speeding things up, they've actually slowed down during their current six-game winning streak, according to Law Murray of The Athletic.
In a counterintuitive move, the Clippers are now the slowest team in the NBA. But get this: they're simultaneously boasting the best offensive and defensive ratings. They're also leading the league in free throw attempts while allowing the fewest three-point attempts. How can a team be so slow and yet so dominant? It's a fascinating paradox that has many fans scratching their heads.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue attributes this dramatic turnaround to his players' unwavering commitment to the fundamentals. "Just having humility, continue to keep working hard, pay attention to detail, executing and then just being unselfish, sharing the basketball," he explained. "Allowing our other guys to make plays and be aggressive offensively. The ball’s going to find Kawhi (Leonard) and James (Harden); it’s going to get back to them eventually... So when you keep working hard, you keep coming to work every single day, you’ll get the results eventually. That’s what we’ve been able to do."
Murray highlights Kawhi Leonard's exceptional performance as a key factor, noting that Leonard has surpassed 40 points three times during this streak, a feat he'd rarely accomplished before. The return of Derrick Jones Jr. from an MCL sprain has also been crucial, solidifying the team’s point-of-attack defense alongside Kris Dunn. Additionally, John Collins is delivering his best rebounding performances of the season, and Nicolas Batum is consistently winning his minutes by a significant margin. It seems like every player is stepping up at the right time.
"I just think everybody’s urgency just went up as a group," Dunn stated. "Understanding that it’s starting to get — not late into the season, but we’re getting into the thick of the season, and we want to just turn things around... I just try to do what I do. I think everybody knows what I was brought here to do, and I just try and do it to the best of my ability.”
Shifting gears to other Pacific Division news:
Good news for Kings fans: An MRI revealed no structural damage to rookie center Maxime Raynaud's left leg after a collision in Friday’s game, according to Jason Anderson of the Sacramento Bee. This is a huge relief, as the team initially feared a more serious injury.
Dennis Schröder of the Kings isn't sweating the trade deadline, despite being traded multiple times in his career. "I always give everything for whoever I’m playing for," Schröder said, according to a tweet from Sean Cunningham of KCRA News. "I’m doing it for myself first, for my family and then of course for the organization who I play for." This level of dedication is something every team values, regardless of trade rumors. But here's where it gets controversial: Is Schröder's individualistic approach ultimately beneficial for team chemistry, or does it prioritize personal gain over collective success? What do you think?
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr isn’t worried about Quinten Post's three-point shooting slump, despite a drop from 40.8% last season to 33.3% this year. "I think it’s all part of being a young player, gaining the confidence," Kerr said, according to Sam Gordon of The San Francisco Chronicle. "… QP is in his second (season). The game has to slow down. You have to feel that sense of calm and confidence.” Kerr's patience with young players is well-known, and he seems confident that Post will regain his shooting touch. And this is the part most people miss: Developing young talent requires time and patience, even when the immediate results aren't ideal. Do you agree with Kerr's approach, or should the Warriors be more concerned about Post's declining efficiency? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
