Clippers fans have certainly had their fair share of ups and downs this season. It hasn’t been your typical ride, either-think more along the lines of a thrilling, unpredictable roller coaster.
The season kicked off with the Kawhi Leonard Aspiration tree-planting scandal and a dismal 6-21 record. Then came a hot streak where they looked like the best team in basketball, only to be followed by the shocking trade of James Harden to Cleveland.
It’s been a wild journey, but somehow, the Clippers have managed to hang on.
Now sitting at a balanced 36-36, it’s almost miraculous that they’ve clawed their way back to .500, especially considering their rocky start. Holding the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoff race is no small feat.
Kawhi Leonard, who initially found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, deserves immense credit for the team’s resilience. Averaging a career-high 28.3 points per game, Kawhi has been a rock for the Clippers, showing surprising durability after missing some games earlier in the season.
When Kawhi is on the court, the Clippers boast a 32-23 record. His recent 28-point performance against the Bucks was pivotal in securing a win.
Asked about his leadership, Kawhi emphasized the team’s self-reliance and competitive spirit. “They’re doing it themselves, it’s between their ears,” he said.
“This group likes to play basketball, they like to have fun out there and compete, and we’re not scared of nobody, even if they’re more talented or their record’s better.”
Kawhi’s message to the team is simple: enjoy the moment and keep pushing forward, even when things aren’t going their way. “It’s just basketball at the end of the day,” he added, highlighting the importance of perseverance and fun in the game.
Leonard’s consistency has been crucial, especially as the roster has seen changes. He’s scored at least 23 points in every game since February, with new additions Bennedict Mathurin and Darius Garland stepping up in big ways. Both are averaging over 20 points since joining, and Garland’s impressive 41-point game was key in an overtime victory against the Mavs.
While the Clippers might be a .500 team on paper, they’re far from an easy matchup. Neither the Thunder nor the Spurs will relish facing them in the first round. This isn’t your typical lower seed team-Kawhi’s All-NBA level play ensures they’re a formidable opponent for even the top contenders.