The Los Angeles Clippers are on a mission to make NBA history with a remarkable in-season turnaround. Sitting at 38-36, they’re aiming to become the first team to claw back from being 10 games under .500 to clinch a playoff spot. Currently the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, they’re locked in a tight race with the Golden State Warriors and Portland Trail Blazers.
A key player in this resurgence is Bennedict Mathurin, who joined the Clippers in February after an NBA Finals stint with the Indiana Pacers. Mathurin has been a revelation, averaging 19.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 18 games. His chemistry with team leader Kawhi Leonard has been pivotal, as Leonard is enjoying a career-best scoring season, propelling the Clippers’ comeback.
Leonard’s leadership style might not be the most vocal, but Mathurin’s recent praise highlights his influence. After a nail-biting 114-113 victory over the Pacers, Mathurin expressed his admiration for Leonard, saying, “It’s hard to be his teammate and not be a fan at the same time. He’s just amazing.”
In that game, Leonard delivered 28 points and eight rebounds, while Mathurin added 17 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Together, they form a formidable wing duo, essential for the Clippers’ playoff aspirations.
Mathurin, at just 23, is averaging 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists for the season, providing a vital scoring boost as the sixth man. Meanwhile, Leonard is putting up 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, marking the best production year in his 15-year career.
The Clippers’ roster shuffle included trading Ivica Zubac for Mathurin and integrating Brook Lopez and Isaiah Jackson into the rotation. This depth, combined with Mathurin’s scoring, has strengthened the team.
Adding to the intrigue, the Clippers acquired Darius Garland by trading James Harden. Garland’s scoring complements Mathurin and Leonard, making the Clippers a more dynamic offensive threat.
Since the trade deadline, the Clippers boast a 117.4 offensive rating and an 11-7 record with Mathurin in the lineup. Leonard’s steady leadership has been crucial, especially amidst challenges like the Aspiration scandal and Chris Paul’s midseason departure.
Leonard, known for his focused leadership, emphasized his approach: “I’m not a rah-rah guy. I come out, tell my teammates what we need to do to win.”
As the season winds down, Leonard’s leadership will be tested in the intense Western Conference Play-In battle. If he continues his All-NBA level play, the Clippers could very well secure their playoff spot, especially with the Warriors facing injuries and the Blazers navigating an untested roster.