The Los Angeles Clippers have found their rhythm, winning six consecutive games and climbing towards playoff contention following a challenging start to the season. With a record now standing at 12–21, the team is tied with the Utah Jazz for 11th place in the Western Conference, just 1.5 games behind the final play-in spot. The resurgence has been largely fueled by the standout performances of Kawhi Leonard, who has averaged an impressive 39 points during this winning streak.
After a troubling period marked by a 6-21 record, the Clippers have shown signs of improvement. They secured their latest victory against the Jazz, showcasing a more potent offensive strategy. Leonard, who missed nearly three weeks in November due to a sprained foot and ankle, has returned to form, marking a pivotal turnaround for the team.
Kawhi’s Impact on Team Performance
Leonard’s influence on the court has been undeniable. He delivered a breathtaking 55-point game against the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons and a decisive 41-point performance in a blowout against the Houston Rockets. Despite this positive trend, he remains realistic about the team’s standing, emphasizing that they still have much work ahead to be recognized as a “good team.” He stated, “Good teams are in the top eight or above. We’re not there, we’re below .500, so we’re working our way up.”
Leonard highlighted several factors contributing to their recent success. “We’re making 3s, that was a big thing,” he noted, indicating an improved shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Additionally, he observed that the team’s defense has become more aggressive, facilitating faster transitions and enabling the Clippers to score over 118 points per game during this streak.
Despite their recent successes, the Clippers maintain the slowest pace in the league. Nonetheless, Leonard feels the team is beginning to execute their offensive plays more quickly, which has been crucial in their scoring output.
Future Challenges and Opportunities
The Clippers’ current streak includes victories over formidable opponents, including a 15-point win against the crosstown rival Lakers and convincing wins against the Rockets, Trail Blazers, and Pistons. Each of these victories came with a margin of victory exceeding 13 points, averaging over 20 points across the six games.
Looking ahead, the Clippers face a challenging stretch with upcoming matches against the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks. However, the latter part of January offers them a favorable schedule, featuring two games against the Washington Wizards and two against the Brooklyn Nets, which could present opportunities for further victories.
As the season progresses, the health of Kawhi Leonard remains critical for the Clippers. His recent performances underscore his importance to the team’s aspirations. With Leonard on the court and performing at this level, a team previously written off may still have a chance to become a serious contender in the Western Conference playoff race.
