In the fierce competition of the NBA playoffs, the performance of the Los Angeles Clippers has attracted a lot of attention. The team, which has a lavish roster, has faltered on the stage of the playoffs, and its internal problems are gradually emerging.
The Clippers' playoff journey has not been smooth this season, with the series against the Mavericks winning the opening game with a stellar three-point performance, but failing to continue that momentum in the games that followed. Especially in Game 3, the Clippers had a particularly bad second half, eventually losing by 11 points. This result is in stark contrast to the luxury of their lineup, and it makes fans feel that they are drifting away from the championship.
Leonard, a key player for the Clippers, has been plagued by injuries in recent years. According to statistics, since joining the Clippers, Leonard has not played many times in the playoffs, which has undoubtedly had a great impact on the team's playoff journey. Without Leonard, the Clippers have declined in terms of tactical execution and scoring ability in key moments, and the team seems to have lost the king temperament of a championship-rushing team.
Paul George's play wasn't consistent either, with George scoring in single digits in the crucial third game, a far cry from his 23.3 points per game average in the regular season. George's instability has become a problem for the Clippers in the playoffs, and when a team's No. 2 star plays role player stats, it will be difficult for the team to win games.
Westbrook's efficiency issues should not be overlooked, as he averaged 7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in the first three games of the playoffs, shooting just 29.2 percent from the field, 27.3 percent from three-point range, and 66.7 percent from the free throw line. This kind of efficiency is obviously a failure for a former MVP player. Willis's sluggish performance undoubtedly exacerbated the Clippers' predicament, and the advantages of the bench lineup were not fully utilized.
In stark contrast to Willis is James Harden, who has transitioned since leaving the Nets to become a full-fledger and focus on playmaking. On the Clippers, this trait of Harden is on full play. In the playoffs, Harden averaged 23.7 points, 7.0 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game, shooting 47.7% from the field and 44.8% from three-point range. Harden's outstanding performance has become a bright spot for the Clippers in their predicament, and he seems to be more like the so-called "thighs".
However, the Clippers' roster structure issues cannot be ignored either. The team relied too heavily on two single-player forwards, which has become increasingly out of place in modern basketball. In addition, the Clippers lack enough depth on the interior and lack players who can do the dirty work. In the series against the Mavericks, the team's interior line was almost unavailable except for Zubac, who was able to guard the restricted area, reflecting the Clippers' weakness on the inside.
Despite the current problems, the Clippers are still competitive. Harden's outstanding performance has provided a glimmer of life for the team. According to statistics, when Harden is on the floor, the Clippers can score 12.3 more points per 100 possessions, which fully demonstrates the importance of Harden to the Clippers.
If the Clippers can fix their internal problems in the upcoming games, they still have a chance to go far in the playoffs. Harden and George need to take on more responsibility on the offensive end, while Willis needs to improve his efficiency and reduce turnovers. In addition, the Clippers will need to make improvements on interior defense and rebounding.
As fans, we expect the Clippers to be able to adjust their form soon enough to meet the challenges ahead. The Clippers' playoff journey has been full of ups and downs and challenges. Behind their luxurious lineup, there are a series of problems that need to be solved urgently. Do you think the Clippers can win this game in G4 and can the series be tied at 2-2?
Leave your thoughts in the comments section and let's discuss the future of the Clippers.