In the world of professional basketball, certain teams are considered perennial contenders -consistent playoff performers with a history that spells ‘almost there’. Yet, every so often, a team that has long hovered around the middle of the standings – or has been a perennial playoff participant – suddenly breaks through to become a serious championship contender. One such pleasant surprise in this year’s ongoing NBA playoffs is the resurgent Los Angeles Clippers.
The Clippers have consistently reached the playoffs in the past decade, with the abundance of all-stars such as Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Despite the preponderance of these stars however, the team has failed to survive the early playoff wars for a variety of reasons. This time, with lesser stars in the fold, there are bright spots that make LA Clipper fans hopeful, despite more attention going to the much-ballyhooed unification of Lebron James and Luka Doncic in the neighboring LA Laker camp. Pitted against the former champs and equally-star-studded Denver Nuggets, the lower-rated Clippers have surprisingly taken the lead over the Nuggets 2-1.
What factors contributed to this significant rise? Several key elements come into play.
Perhaps the most significant factor that comes to mind is the team’s HEALTH issues. Injuries derailed their past 2 promising seasons, notably with resident anchor, Kawhi Leonard. But with Kawhi now healthy, their chance of success has increased dramatically. The team has surged back in the standings, with Kawhi once again leading the charge. He has not only taken over much of the offensive scoring load, his pesky help-defense has been able to plug numerous defensive flaws in the past. With Kawhi in the pink of health, the Clippers are suddenly a serious contender in the west.
Second, there’s the TEAM CHEMISTRY. Basketball is a team sport that relies heavily on chemistry. A team that finally gels – through shared experiences, improved communication, and trust – can outperform more talented individual units. This year, the team lost Paul George (traded to the Philadelphia 76ers), Russell Westbrook (to the Denver Nuggets), and rising star Terrence Mann (to the Atlanta Hawks). They also lost dependable bigs Mason Plumlee and Daniel Theis; plus veterans PJ Tucker and Robert Covington. Man for man, last year’s roster was far more talented than this year’s team. But sometimes, less could mean more, as we see in the Clippers’ transformation. Building a resilient, unselfish culture often takes years, but once established, it can propel a team from good to great. A smaller core group of Kawhi, Harden, center Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell has worked wonders for the team. Their cohesion is deemed especially vital with the high-pressure playoff war reaching its climax soon.
Coupled with chemistry is MATURITY. With each individual knowing his spot in the team, with no one trying to outshine the other, there is a singular focus that propels the team to greater heights. The developent of a good blend of youth and experience bodes well for the team. Nicolas Batum returned after a year’s exile to the 76ers. Sweet-shooting Bogdan Bogdanovich, defensive specialist Derrick Jones Jr and another veteran Patty Mills are more positive add-ons who are ready to give their team leaders the needed bench respite. And there’s Ben Simmons, who has been given another chance by team owner Steve Ballmer. Ballmer’s decision to take Simmons spells good karma. This will be of big help to the team. There were no notable heavyweight additions for this team, as they relied more on developing team chemistry and player maturity to address critical gaps.
In addition, Ty Lue’s COACHING and and the team veterans’ LEADERSHIP have profoundly impacted the team’s trajectory. While not really a new coach for the team, Ty’s approach to team development seems to have unlocked the team’s true potential. Dealing with less, Ty has been able to develop a culture of unity, accountability, resilience, and confidence, which have evidently brought the team to where it is presently at.
Ty has been able to get the team to adapt a playing style that fits their roster’s strengths. The team ADAPTABILITY now emphasizes pace and space, utilizes more cohesive help-defense, and leverage each player’s unique skill set.
Now leading their playoff series against the Nuggets 2-1, the Clippers are oozing with CONFIDENCE. We all know that success breeds confidence. Once a team starts winning consistently, a positive feedback loop can develop. Confidence boosts performance, which leads to more wins. The Clippers’ MOMENTUM during these playoffs can carry that energy through the critical series. It could be the secret potion that could overcome more talented but less cohesive opponents in the future.
Finally, there’s the state-of-the-art new arena that Steve Ballmer has opened this year to get the players and the fans more excited. The new Intuit Dome, inaugurated last August 2024, is a $2 billion arena that is now the Clippers new home. It has given the team a fresher and younger outlook, and is a great MORALE booster to the players and fans alike. The Intuit Dome is a futuristic theatre that is the envy of other ballclubs.
The LA Clippers’ pleasant surprise, challenging the top echelons of the Western Conference, is not due to a single factor. It is the result of a combination of health, chemistry, maturity, leadership, momentum and morale. With these elements aligning for the Clippers, a team with a history of being in the mix, only to fall short in the playoffs, can definitely soar even higher, even straight to the championship. Watch out for the dangerous Clippers in their spanking new arena. Their potential rise to the top could be a compelling story of perseverance, unity of action and good karma.
Cover pic courtesy of the Los Angeles Times. Other pics courtesy of NBA, the Denver Post, Motorcycle Sports, MSN The Playoffs, Dustin Bradford, Isiah Downing and LA Times.
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