Thanks to their core group of players, the LA Clippers are starting to get hot at the right time. Can this team gain momentum in the West? James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac have been playing some of their best basketball lately. The Clippers’ big three will need their best form going into the playoffs in a few weeks.
LA Clippers Big Three Leading the Way Towards Playoffs
When we talk about the Los Angeles Clippers this season, the conversation begins with their All-Star James Harden. Through 73 of 76 games, Harden has averaged 22.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.7 rebounds. In his 16th season, Harden is still playing at a top level in the NBA and continues to show it. He should be expected to be the most consistent and valuable player for the LA Clippers moving forward into the playoffs.
THE HARDEN WAY 📈
James Harden is 1️⃣ of 2 guards averaging 20+ pts, 8 ast and 5 rebs this @NBA season. pic.twitter.com/BcAKoKlfqB
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 1, 2025
Kawhi Leonard has slowly progressed since returning from injury to begin the calendar year, but he has undoubtedly helped LA. As the playoffs approach, Leonard has been averaging 20.8 points and 5.8 rebounds while shooting 49.2% from the field. It will also be important to see Leonard play at his very best in more meaningful games in the postseason.
Ivica Zubac has recently been on a stretch of good form for Los Angeles. Zubac is having a fantastic career season, which includes an incredible performance: 28 points for his 28th birthday, along with 20 rebounds in a victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is averaging career-highs of 16.5 points and 12.5 rebounds, along with a field goal percentage of 62.3%. Zubac has only missed two games the entire year, proving himself to be a reliable option come playoff time. With 52 double-doubles in the season, Zubac is cementing himself as an impactful presence that should help the Clippers going into the playoffs.
What Stands in the Clippers’ Way?
The rest of the team is in good shape ahead of the playoffs, which the Clippers will need moving forward. They are currently eighth in the Western Conference with a 44-32 record, sharing play-in territory with the Timberwolves, Mavericks and Kings. There’s also a three-way tie for fifth with the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Memphis Grizzlies. Los Angeles must capitalize on their six remaining games, with all matchups against Western Conference opponents.
With six games to prove they belong in the playoffs, this big three must take their form to another level. LA must finish strong with upcoming matchups against a few Texas teams and California contenders. Since the beginning of March, LA has had a 12-5 record, and they are looking to ride that momentum to close the season.
Beginning tonight, the Clippers play back-to-back home games against Anthony Davis and the playoff-hunting Dallas Mavericks. Another back-to-back to finish the first full season at the Inuit Dome concludes against the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets. Finally, the Clippers won’t travel far from home, as they face fellow playoff-hopefuls in the Kings and Warriors. The LA Clippers’ big three look to lead them into the playoffs on a high note, full of momentum.
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