November 20th – November 26th (3W-1L)
Game 1: [@San Antonio Spurs] – [W 124-99]
Key Statistics:
Only committed 7 turnovers, 30 assists (hard to lose when the ball is moving this well)
Key Takeaways:
Blow out… The Spurs are bad and the Clippers did a good job limiting Wemby, Important to keep winning against bad teams, especially now.
Theis is great, fits perfectly. He is exactly the type of big the team was lacking. He brings energy, spacing, and toughness. It will be interesting to see how Lue manages the lineup when Mason Plumlee returns.
Game 2: [@San Antonio Spurs] – [W 109-102]
Key Statistics:
Assist Percentage – 74.4% (the team’s highest since the first game of the season), 29 assists!
Did have 16 turnovers this game, and Wemby was able to bounce back
Key Takeaways:
Love to see the Clippers moving the ball well, but these are not close games, and during a close game, the team starts to favor iso ball.
Harden is definitely looking more like a facilitator than a scorer, but is balancing his offense well and is still attacking and forcing fouls, he looks a lot better than in the first few games.
Game 3: [New Orleans Pelicans] – [L 116-106]
Key Statistics:
11/37 from 3 (29.7%), Kawhi and Harden combined 2/13
50-39 Rebounds
Kawhi did not have many good minutes. Russ struggled but only played 14 min (a team-low)
Key Takeaways:
Fun game. It was looking like a Pels blowout, but the Clippers fought back and forced a lot of turnovers.
Powell made some huge shots to keep the team in the game.
Zion and BI looked fantastic, BI hit a lot of tough shots, and Zion to close the game was unstoppable.
Some questionable coaching decisions by Lue… Starting Terance against Zion was a mistake, and then having PJ mimic Zion’s minutes was working well, but to close the game the team went away from that strategy and decided to go “Super Small Ball” which left Harden guarding Zion multiple possessions which cost the game.
We can always use more Russ, even if his shot is struggling, he belongs on the floor.
Game 4: [Dallas Mavericks] – [W 144-126]
Key Statistics:
54 PITP (way to take advantage of the small, defensive lacking Mavs)
Kawhi shots 2/12 (16.7%) but was a team high +24
Key Takeaways:
This was by far the best played game of the season. The 2nd night of a back-to-back, after a tough loss, against the team that gave the Clippers their worst loss of the season.
Defense was immaculate, Offense was flowing.
Terance Mann was amazing, easily his best game. Set the tone with his slashing which led to easy dunks. Russ had a great bounce-back game. Russ had a great quote about the duo “No one should outwork them”. They are the energy behind this team. If they play well the team plays well.
Kawhi and Harden shot the ball horribly, but it didn’t matter. The team looked perfect, even with them missing shots, because the team was getting easy shots. Running plays, attacking the rim, moving the ball. No one was ball-watching, even on the isolations, there was off-ball movement, finding the right mismatch. It was beautiful to watch.
Big Picture:
In a week that showcased the Clippers playing at a high level, it appears they’re finding their rhythm, if only in glimpses. Victories against the Spurs, while perhaps not the most revealing, underscore the importance of maintaining momentum against less experienced teams. Harden, showing signs of regained form, has embraced his role as a playmaker, although there’s a lingering question about lineup choices. Ty Lue suggests pairing Harden with a big, emphasizing his pick-and-roll prowess, yet small ball lineups persist, posing a challenge for the star.
Paul George continues to dazzle, reclaiming his All-NBA form from the start of the season. Kawhi Leonard’s performance, however, remains an enigma. Wrestling with moments of passivity and occasional attempts to carry the team, he hasn’t consistently dominated games, especially since Harden’s arrival. As the Clippers brace for a tougher stretch ahead, the spotlight intensifies on this trio to elevate their game and secure pivotal victories in the upcoming weeks.
What to Expect Next Week:
4 Games, Monday vs Nuggets, Wednesday @Kings, Thursday @Warriors, Saturday vs Warriors
Facing a challenging week ahead, the Clippers are poised for a critical test against 3 formidable Western Conference opponents. The rematch against the reigning champion Nuggets, still without star guard Jamal Murray, presents an opportunity for the Clippers to showcase their defensive improvements; The Clippers struggled with the size and off-ball movement of the Nuggets. The Kings, known for their fast and dynamic play, could exploit the Clippers’ slower pace, making the clash an intriguing matchup. The battle between Ivica Zubac and Domantas Sabonis will be pivotal. Finally, a pair of games against the Warriors, despite their early-season struggles, promise intensity, especially with Steph Curry’s history of having standout performances against the Clippers. The return of Draymond Green from suspension adds another layer of challenge, setting the stage for a week where the Clippers must affirm their place among the league’s elite.
West Coast Hoops 