The Clippers have began the season very robust, and one specific statistic exhibits why they’re a risk to even the most effective NBA groups.
Regardless of not having Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have began the season actually robust. After a patchy begin, they at present maintain an 11-7 report within the West.
The Los Angeles facet has taken full benefit of their new residence. Now taking part in within the Intuit Dome, the staff has discovered a brand new lease on life.
With a five-game profitable streak heading into their sport in opposition to the Celtics, eagle-eyed followers have seen a current statistic that might spell hassle for the defending champions.
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Going into their sport in opposition to the Celtics, the Clippers will really feel assured about their possibilities. Regardless of taking part in in opposition to the defending champs, the Clippers have the momentum.
And one particular statistic exhibits simply how robust they’ve been. Within the final 4 video games, the Clippers have held their opponents to below 100 factors.
This consists of the Golden State Warriors, who’ve been among the finest groups within the NBA this 12 months. The Clippers are at present ranked fifth in defensive ranking, with a rating of 107.3.
This protection hasn’t gone unnoticed. James Harden praised the squad’s defensive effort after their win over the Kings final week.
Stephen Curry even admitted after the Warriors‘ loss that they made errors in opposition to a superb defensive staff just like the Clippers, they usually punished them for it.
Even with out Kawhi Leonard, who’s their greatest defender, the Clippers have been elite defensively. One can solely surprise simply how good the staff might be as soon as Leonard returns to the staff.
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The Clippers are greater than able to inflicting complications to even the most effective offensive gamers. The 76ers realized this lesson once they performed the Clippers this weekend.
After the 125-99 loss, 76ers coach Nick Nurse defined simply how stifling the Clippers’ protection is. He likened their defensive construction to having an additional line of protection.
“They despatched lots of people at them, they’d the lane plugged fairly good. They had been taking part in it 2 on 2, switching so much, then had a rover within the center. Nearly like a spy… Nearly a 3rd line of protection there.”
Clearly, the Clippers are making life tough for offensive gamers. And whereas Nurse is teaching one of many worst groups within the NBA, the Clippers have been doing this in opposition to all NBA groups.
Head coach Tyronn Lue has actually gotten one thing particular out of his gamers. Kris Dunn, Ivica Zubac, and Norman Powell are a few of the notable defensive standouts on this squad.
It must be an fascinating conflict tonight between two of the most effective groups within the league proper now. Can the mighty Clippers’ protection include the reigning NBA champions? We must wait and see.
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