Los Angeles Clippers Post All-Star Break Analysis

Back after a bit of a break. We’ve crossed the halfway mark, sailed past the All-Star break, and navigated through the notorious ‘dog days’ of the NBA season in January and February. The Clips had been on a crazy two-and-a-half-month tear, making them look like true contenders, and whether NBA fans say Celtics or Nuggets are the favorites, the Clippers are right there in the conversation. Big shoutouts to Kawhi and Harden, who have been exceptional. The iso plays are still a large part of the Clipper offense, but Kawhi is statistically the best iso player in the NBA, and Harden is the 6th. Harden is consistently pulling off plays that redefine what we thought of him as a playmaker. Harden has set himself apart as probably the best floor general lead guard in the NBA. Norman Powell’s contributions off the bench have been a game-changer and deserve a nod of appreciation.
But, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Recent losses to the Timberwolves, Thunder, and Kings have highlighted some of the Clippers’ vulnerabilities. They struggle against younger, faster teams with high-paced offenses, often getting outrun and outgunned. The clutch-time prowess that defined their span of winning games has been a saving grace, but against these young squads, the ability to get great shots in the clutch hasn’t been a factor. Paul George, who missed the recent Kings clash, has been grappling with his shot choices, shining when he sticks to catch-and-shoot threes and attacking the paint but stumbling when he tries to do too much. Since his return from injury, Ivica Zubac hasn’t reclaimed his peak form, and Ty Lue’s preference for Mason Plumlee over Daniel Theis as the backup center has stirred some debate.
Now, we’re entering the serious part of the NBA season post-All-Star break. The drama of the trade deadline is behind us, and the Clippers are sticking with the squad they’ve got. No major moves are expected in the buyout market, making this the crew rolling into the playoffs. The Clippers need to kick it up a notch. Russell Westbrook and Paul George elevating will be key in getting to another WCF, possibly the first finals birth in franchise history, or even a chip.
Beyond the hardwood, let’s talk rebranding – sailboat vibes, navy colors, and fresh jerseys have garnered positive reviews. While some fans miss the old-school Buffalo Braves orange or San Diego Clipper powder blue, the overall sentiment seems to be positive.
Going forward, we’re tweaking our posts to follow this type of template, rather than getting bogged down with the game by game, but will still emphasize key advanced metrics. Drop your thoughts on how the Clippers are doing, the rebrand, or whatever else is on your mind. More updates coming your way. Cheers to the second half of the season!