In a year filled with uncertainty and more questions than answers, the Los Angeles Clippers are hunting to exceed expectations at the midseason mark. This season, having an opportunity to fight for a playoff spot would have been the main goal. However, with LA’s promising start, the expectations have picked up, and they are now fighting for a top-four seed in the West.
LA Clippers Finding Rhythm Halfway Through Season
LA is 25-19 and sixth in the Western Conference. It’s been a neck-and-neck race between them and the Los Angeles Lakers, especially with an opportunity of home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Lately, the Clippers are staying consistent and proving to be a legitimate squad that is not to be messed with.
The team’s season stat leaders are almost completely different in their main categories. Norman Powell has had one of his most impressive seasons, averaging a career-high 23.7 points. When it comes to distributing the basketball, James Harden has kept a nice consistency, averaging 8.2 assists. The seven-foot big man Ivica Zubac leads the Clips in both rebounding (12.6) and blocks (1.2). In the steals department, Kris Dunn has been the most active with his hands, averaging 1.5 per game.
The Clippers’ Strengths So Far
The Clippers improved defense is where their strengths lie. Their defensive rating ranks second in the NBA at 107.1, only behind the best in the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Having an active hands-on defense has proved to be a strong suit for LA as the team ranks third in the league in steals per game with 9.8. Takeaways have shown to be a deciding factor in wins.
One of the biggest surprises from the team is 10-year vet Powell. He has done an incredible job of stepping up with Kawhi Leonard sidelined for a few months due to a knee injury. Powell could be an All-Star reserve thanks to his impressive play. Those selections will be revealed on Feb. 1, but he has an opportunity to make his first All-Star team.
What LA Needs To Do Moving Forward
Looking a little further into the future, the trade deadline and All-Star break are getting closer. There is a possibility the Clippers could be active at the deadline, even potentially making one of the bigger moves.
There’s potential interest in trading for a guard to fill the rotation like Collin Sexton. Another star that can give LA a significant boost on the wing is Zach LaVine. While it is a longshot, there could be a possibility that the Clippers could make a run for Jimmy Butler, who is the talk of the trade block. The team will have some tough decisions to make in the next few weeks with player personnel and finalizing this roster before making a hopeful playoff run.
Overall, LA looks to be in great shape moving forward with the current rhythm they are in. As the season passed the midseason mark, it has been an unexpected but surprising turn of events. With their star Leonard back and the significant season Powell has had, the Clippers are only looking ahead.
With a break on the way and needing to finish strong, there seems to be hope to make a splash at the deadline, as well as claiming a top-four spot in the Western Conference. There is plenty of basketball remaining, but the LA Clippers’ rhythm and confidence can point them in the right direction.
