Waking up, Clippers fans were greeted with a wave of good news! Three players were nominated for Player of the Week, the team's power ranking rose to ninth, assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy celebrated his birthday, the team's defensive efficiency ranked among the league's top, and their competitors suffered defeats.
The Clippers' upward momentum is hard to ignore. Behind the four-game winning streak lies the team's gradual return to form, as the Western Conference landscape quietly shifts. For the Clippers, this is not just about victories but also an important step towards the playoffs.
Over the past week, the Clippers have put on a dream-like performance—four consecutive wins, each showcasing different game strategies and team strength. They defeated Eastern Conference powerhouse Brooklyn Nets and local rivals Los Angeles Lakers, including a record-breaking 59-point victory that set a new team record.
The team's overall state has warmed up, catching everyone's attention. First was the game against the Nets, where the Clippers swept their opponents 142-83, creating the largest point difference in team history. Harden's performance in the game was nothing short of perfect, not only climbing to 14th in NBA scoring history but also announcing his return to form with an all-around display. Powell played the role of a stable scorer for the Clippers, repeatedly piercing the Nets' defense with accurate three-pointers. Zubac's dominance in the paint cannot be overlooked either, as his rebounds and blocks made the Clippers' defense even stronger.
Following that, the Clippers went on to defeat the Heat, Trail Blazers, and Lakers. The game against the Lakers was particularly exciting, with both teams locked in a tug-of-war from the start, the score seesawing until the fourth quarter when a winner was finally decided. Ultimately, thanks to Powell's two crucial three-pointers and Zubac's key rebounds in the final moments, the Clippers narrowly beat the Lakers 113-108. This victory not only solidified their fifth place in the West but also dealt a psychological blow to their direct competitor, the Lakers.
Meanwhile, the NBA officially released the latest team power rankings, with the Clippers rising to ninth place. This is undoubtedly recognition of the team's recent performance. With a record of 24 wins and 17 losses, the Clippers remain firmly in fifth place in the West, 1.5 games ahead of the sixth-placed Lakers. Every upcoming game is crucial.
More importantly, the defeats of their competitors are worth noting. The Suns suffered a crushing home loss to the Cavaliers, while the Timberwolves and Mavericks lost to the Grizzlies and Hornets, respectively. The Clippers have thus been able to further widen the gap in wins over these teams. Currently, the Mavericks trail the Clippers by 2 games, the Timberwolves and Suns by 3 and 3.5 games, respectively. Such a situation greatly increases the Clippers' chances of a direct playoff berth.
Furthermore, the improvement in the team's defensive efficiency has been a key factor in their recent success. Statistics show that the Clippers currently rank second in defensive efficiency in the league, with an average of just 106.5 points conceded per game, third in the league. All this can be attributed to assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy, who joined the team this summer. His meticulous work on the defensive system has made the Clippers more balanced on both ends of the court. On the occasion of Van Gundy's 63rd birthday, the veteran coach also experienced another highlight in his coaching career.
Harden's resurgence
Over the past week, Harden has undoubtedly been the most outstanding player for the Clippers. Not only has he been consistent in scoring, but he has also stepped up in critical moments time and again. In the game against the Nets, Harden scored 25 points, had 8 assists, and grabbed 7 rebounds, proving his value with an all-around performance. Compared to his sluggish start to the season, Harden now resembles the "Dengge" who could do it all.
His presence makes the Clippers' offensive system even more threatening.
Zubac's dominance in the paint
Zubac's recent performances have been a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Whether it's rebounds, blocks, or help defense, he has shown remarkable efficiency. Especially in the game against the Lakers, Zubac grabbed a crucial rebound in the dying moments, securing the win for the team.
As the core of the team's defense, his performance has made the Clippers' defensive system even more stable.
Van Gundy's defensive system
The Clippers' defensive efficiency ranking among the league's top this season is largely due to Van Gundy's efforts. The experienced assistant coach's tutelage on the defensive end has transformed the Clippers from an offensive-minded team into a well-rounded squad capable of both attack and defense. Averaging just 106.5 points conceded, ranking second in defensive efficiency, these figures speak volumes.
Van Gundy's arrival has not only enhanced the team's overall defensive capabilities but also given the Clippers the upper hand in the battle for playoff spots.
Clippers starting lineup:
Guards: James Harden, Paul George
Forwards: Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell
Center: Ivica Zubac
Substitute lineup:
Substitute guards: Terance Mann, Eric Gordon
Substitute forwards: Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington
Substitute center: Mason Plumlee
Scoring statistics (over the past week):
Harden: 23.5 points, 8.2 assists, 6.8 rebounds on average
Powell: 20.7 points, 45% three-point shooting
Zubac: 11.3 points, 12.5 rebounds, 2.7 blocks
Key game quarter scores (against the Lakers):
First quarter: Clippers 28:26 Lakers
Second quarter: Clippers 32:30 Lakers
Third quarter: Clippers 25:28 Lakers
Fourth quarter: Clippers 28:24 Lakers
Efficiency stats:
Clippers team shooting percentage: 50%
Three-point shooting percentage: 42%
Total assists: 27
Rebounds: 45
Lakers data comparison:
Shooting percentage: 47%
Three-point shooting percentage: 38%
Total assists: 22
Rebounds: 39
Looking at the data, the Clippers' advantage in shooting percentage and rebounds is particularly evident, which is the key to their victory.
"The Clippers' recent resurgence is truly surprising, but the competition in the West remains fierce, and maintaining consistency is the key." The question is, can the Clippers sustain such performances in the face of upcoming strong matchups? While the four-game winning streak is certainly cause for celebration, the real test has just begun.
If the team fails to address the issue of fluctuation in critical moments, the road to the playoffs will still be full of challenges.
What kind of performance will the Clippers deliver in response to expectations? We'll have to wait and see!
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