The LA Clippers have been on a tear lately, rattling off a blistering 16-3 run that’s turned heads across the league. But here’s the thing-most of that dominance came against teams still trying to figure out their identity or already looking ahead to the lottery.
Now? The real proving ground begins.
Over the next 12 games, the Clippers are staring down a gauntlet: 11 of those matchups are against playoff-caliber teams. This isn’t just a tough stretch-it’s the kind of stretch that reveals exactly who you are.
Are the Clippers a legitimate threat in the West, or was this hot streak just a case of beating up on struggling squads? We’re about to find out.
The Pressure Is On-And It’s Coming from All Angles
Tyronn Lue’s group won’t just be facing playoff teams-they’ll be facing teams that are actively trying to pick apart every crack in their armor. That’s part of what made their recent win over the Utah Jazz so important.
It wasn’t just another W-it was a momentum builder heading into a brutal stretch. If they come out of these 12 games with a 6-6 record, that’s a success.
Anything better? That’s a statement.
But if they go 4-8 or worse, all the good vibes from the past month could vanish just as quickly as they arrived.
Can the Supporting Cast Step Up Against Elite Competition?
During this run, young role players like Jordan Miller and Kobe Sanders have stepped up in a big way. They’ve hit shots, made plays, and looked comfortable in their roles.
But let’s be honest-they’ve been doing it against teams that aren’t exactly defensive juggernauts. That’s about to change.
What happens when Phoenix throws elite wing defenders at them, or when Minnesota’s top-ranked defense turns up the heat? Those clean catch-and-shoot looks they’ve been getting from Kawhi Leonard and James Harden’s gravity might not be there anymore. And when the game slows down and possessions matter more, the margin for error shrinks.
A Full-Court Problem That’s Hard to Ignore
One issue that’s been quietly lingering? The Clippers’ struggles against full-court pressure.
That’s a problem playoff teams are going to exploit. The lack of a true backup point guard forces James Harden to shoulder a heavy load, especially in the first and third quarters.
But when he sits, things get dicey.
Against a team like Utah, that might not cost you. But when you’re facing squads like the Timberwolves or Suns-teams that know how to trap, press, and turn defense into offense in a flash-it’s a different story. Without more reliable ball-handling options or a clearer plan to break the press, this could become a recurring issue.
The Long Climb from .500
Let’s talk big picture. Even if the Clippers manage to split these next 12 games, they’d still be sitting at 28-30.
That’s two games under .500. To finish 47-35-a record that might land them a play-in spot-they’d need to go on an absolute tear to close the season.
The good news? The schedule lightens up a bit in March and April.
The bad news? That might be too late.
Teams like the Warriors are still lurking, the Suns are heating up, and the Timberwolves aren’t slowing down. The West isn’t waiting for anyone.
February: The Defining Month
This upcoming stretch isn’t just a test-it’s a referendum on everything the Clippers have built over the past month. If they can hold their own and come out of it with their heads above water, they’ll have proven that their turnaround is more than just a hot streak. But if they falter, the narrative flips fast.
By the time March rolls around, we’ll know if this team is for real-or if their resurgence was just smoke and mirrors. Either way, buckle up. The next few weeks are going to tell us everything we need to know about the 2025-26 Clippers.