The LA Clippers look to improve from last year’s last place finish in the NBA Cup’s West Group B. Does LA have what it takes to book a trip to Las Vegas? This NBA season, the Los Angeles Clippers have the opportunity to improve from their 1-3 record from last year’s tournament. This LA Clippers team isn’t as star-studded as last year’s, but they seem to be hungrier for success. Unfortunately, the Clippers have already suffered a disastrous 125-104 defeat to the Houston Rockets on Friday.
What Are the Clippers’ Chances in NBA Cup After Rockets Defeat?
After the 21-point loss, LA has a long way to climb to punch their ticket to the knockout rounds. The Clippers have now lost to the Rockets in back-to-back games, who are currently in first place in the Southwest Division. LA were placed in the same group as the Rockets for a second consecutive season, having defeated Houston last year. However, it was a tale of two seasons. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George poured in at least 20 points each in last year’s matchup, along with James Harden nearly securing a triple-double. This year, Harden scored 21 points, but there weren’t enough contributions from anyone else to make an impact.
Last season, the Clippers finished dead last in their group, but were the only last-place team that actually won a game. During last year’s group stage games, LA averaged 111.5 points, but the defense struggled to contain opponents. Los Angeles allowed 117.8 points, including a whopping 144 points to the Dallas Mavericks. This year’s defense looks to improve within the in-season tournament, despite losing its first game in Houston.
A Look Ahead to LA’s Next Group Stage Opponents
Next Friday, November 22, the Clippers play host to the 7-5 Sacramento Kings at the Intuit Dome. LA defeated the Kings last week in Sacramento 107-98, but they are still a tough team to beat nonetheless. The Kings are led by familiar faces De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, along with newcomer and 16-year vet DeMar DeRozan. This matchup will be a battle of the boards between two of the league’s best rebounders, Sabonis and Ivica Zubac.
Black Friday comes around on November 29 as the Clippers conclude a four-game road trip against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota will look to capitalize in their tournament games to build confidence for the remainder of the season. Being led by the 23-year old Edwards, the offense would hope to complement a ferocious Minnesota defense in slowing down LA. The Clippers, on the other hand, have plans to cap off a tough, east coast road trip with a win.
Finally, the Clippers round out the group stage on Tuesday, December 3, at home against the Portland Trail Blazers. A Portland team that may not necessarily have a star to lean on in big games, but they have played better of late. The Clippers did lose to the Trail Blazers at home earlier this season by one point. This time around, Los Angeles hopes to put the cherry on top with a win over Portland and advance into the knockout rounds this season.
What is the Ultimate Goal This Season?
The question remains, what are the realistic chances for a deep run? Overall, this could be a favorable matchup for the Clippers to at least win two of their four tournament games. With one loss already, the task at hand has immediately become more difficult. Head coach Tyronn Lue looks to improve from last year’s failed tournament run and play at least more than four games. Playing in Las Vegas as one of the final four teams may be the ultimate goal from the Clips, but making it out of the group will already be a success for a team without their main superstar, Kawhi Leonard.
