Amidst the constant buzz and fervent analysis surrounding other contenders in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Clippers have been quietly building momentum, positioning themselves for a potentially significant advantage in the upcoming playoffs: home-court in the first round. While much of the attention has been directed elsewhere, this veteran squad, bolstered by key performances and a growing sense of cohesion, is emerging as a serious threat.
“I think they’re really good,” an anonymous scout recently stated, acknowledging the Clippers’ understated strength. The executive specifically highlighted the contributions of center Ivica Zubac, noting, “Zubac is so underrated. People haven’t talked about how good he’s been.”
Indeed, Zubac has been a consistent force for the Clippers, providing both a reliable interior presence and developing into a more multifaceted offensive player. Beyond Zubac’s steady impact, the executive also pointed to the undeniable star power within the team, asserting that they possess “two players who can win games in a playoff series in Kawhi [Leonard] and James [Harden].”
The championship pedigree and offensive brilliance of Leonard and Harden are well-documented, and their ability to elevate their play in high-stakes playoff matchups is a crucial element of the Clippers’ potential.
Could Kawhi Leonard’s Durability Tank The Los Angeles Clippers Playoff Run?
However, as has been the lingering question surrounding the Clippers for the past several seasons, their ultimate ceiling is inextricably linked to the health and sustained availability of Kawhi Leonard. Since the beginning of March, Leonard has been performing at an elite level, averaging over 25 points while shooting above 50% from the field and an impressive 40% from beyond the arc.
This level of sustained scoring efficiency has been matched by only MVP front-runner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and perennial All-Star Kevin Durant during the same timeframe, underscoring Leonard’s exceptional play. Crucially, during this period, Leonard has appeared in 17 games, averaging a significant 35 minutes per contest.
If this level of availability and elite production can be maintained throughout the playoffs, the Clippers will undoubtedly be a formidable opponent for any team in the Western Conference.
Nevertheless, the optimism surrounding Leonard’s current health is tempered by a history of injuries that have often curtailed his playoff runs. As the same executive cautiously observed, “Kawhi looks good. He takes over for stretches. But let’s see how he looks in a couple weeks. We’ve seen him get to this point and then break down.”
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This sentiment reflects the collective apprehension that often accompanies discussions of Leonard’s health, a crucial variable that has consistently shaped the Clippers’ postseason aspirations.
In conclusion, while the spotlight may have been elsewhere, the Los Angeles Clippers have quietly assembled a team capable of securing home-court advantage in the playoffs. The underrated play of Ivica Zubac, the proven playoff prowess of James Harden, and the current stellar performance of a healthy Leonard provide a compelling formula for success.
However, the lingering question of Leonard’s durability remains the ultimate determinant of the Clippers’ true potential as they navigate the demanding landscape of the Western Conference playoffs.