January 1st – January 7th (3W-1L)
Game 1: [vs Miami Heat] – [W 121-104]
Key Statistics:
17 turnovers (Kawhi did return from injury and some miscommunications led to some of these)
Rare 19 fast break points (only gave up 4)
Extremely efficient shooting, 8/9 players that played >15 min shot 50% or better (All but Russ)
As a team, they shot 58.8% 48.3% 92.9%
Herro held just 12 points.
Key Takeaways:
The Clippers are back healthy and The Heat was without 3 rotation players including Jimmy Butler, with this, the Clippers started slow, and Kawhi struggled early.
After the 1st quarter, the energy that had been absent without Kawhi returned and the Clippers pretty much dominated the rest of the way.
Norm was super impressive again.
Game 2: [@Phoenix Suns] – [W 132-122]
Key Statistics:
Amazing efficiency once again. The team shot 55.3% 50.9% 90.6%.
The trio was great once again, combined for 85 points.
Terance Mann’s team-high +17 hits 2 3’s for the first time since 12/16 (was beginning to worry but seem to have more confidence as the team’s success continues)
Key Takeaways:
The offense was lethal through the first 3 quarters, then became stagnant in the 4th, which is concerning but the team played so well this game that it didn’t matter.
The Suns were still not fully healthy, so their 4 game-win streak came to an end. The Clippers now have a 4 win streak of their own.
Game 3: [@New Orleans Pelicans] – [W 111-95]
Key Statistics:
Pels held to 41 in 1st half (lowest scoring 1st half this season).
28 assists! 15 turnovers and giving up 14 Oreb is too many, but this game was over early.
Norman Powell was +36 in 25 min and just 13 points. Harden only took 7 shots yet the offense was impossible to guard. PG made 6 3’s many of which were catch and shoot, the team plays so much better when we move and get open shots (CRAZY IDEA I KNOW).
Key Takeaways:
A super fun game (if you’re not a Pelicans fan). Defensive masterclass, holding BI and Zion to only 12 points each. Pels have won the last 4 matchups against the Clippers, The Clippers came out to prove a point in The Blender (Smoothie King Center).
Game 4: [@Los Angeles Lakers] – [L 103-106]
Key Statistics:
Not efficient shooting, < 40% from the field and the 3. The only player to shoot >50% was Zubac who played well 22 points 19 rebounds 10 offensive rebounds.
Only 21 assists. Both teams combined for 35 turnovers (ugly)
Key Takeaways:
This was a must-win for the Lakers, and like most Lakers games it was a fun game, but an ugly game. Lots of fouls, and lots of complaining, the Lakers came out with good energy and the energy that the Clippers have been praised for since this winning streak (when Kawhi plays) started. Speaking of Kawhi… did he need to be taken out 2 minutes late in this game? The offense was stagnant (lotta iso down the stretch), but the defense was ok. The Clippers, who have been the bigger, more physical, more energetic team in almost every game since December, looked small, tired, and old.
Big Picture:
The first week of January brought both promise and concern for the Los Angeles Clippers. Demonstrating their potential as true contenders, the team seized control of several games, showcasing their prowess. However, there were troubling glimpses of inconsistency, a persistent challenge that has left many doubting their credibility. While the Clippers have effectively managed to dominate in numerous matchups, their tendency to deviate from successful strategies in close games remains a pressing issue. Going into the Laker game, the Clippers since December which was the most difficult part of the schedule had the #1 net rating, #1 offense, and #1 defense in the NBA.
What to Expect Next Week:
4 Games, Monday vs Suns, Wednesday vs Raptors, Friday @Grizzlies, Sunday @Timberwolves
The Clippers enter the upcoming week with a determination to rebound from their recent first loss with a healthy Kawhi Leonard since November. Facing a challenging schedule of five games in eight nights, the team anticipates a tough test. The Suns, likely at full strength, pose a significant challenge on Monday, offering a glimpse of how the Clippers fare against a fully loaded star-studded opponent. A clash with the revamped Raptors follows, presenting a formidable adversary riding high on an unbeaten streak since key trades to acquire RJ and IQ. Embarking on a road trip, the Clippers confront the Grizzlies, who are eager to climb the playoff/play-in ladder. The week concludes with a pivotal matchup against the Western Conference’s top-seeded Timberwolves. This is a huge game, especially after losing to OKC and Boston Celtics, this game allows the Clippers to go against the league’s best with Kawhi and show they belong.
West Coast Hoops 