Following the blockbuster acquisitions of superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George over the summer, the Los Angeles Clippers have lived up to the hype and more in the 2019-20 NBA regular season.
The once looked down upon Clippers now possess arguably their best squad in franchise history, amassing a 44-20 win-loss record (2nd in the Western Conference) prior to the NBA’s suspension due to the coronavirus crisis.
Sure, they faced some slip-ups along the way and were even once accused of having “chemistry issues” after that whole Montrezl Harrell debacle.
But one thing’s for sure, every NBA team will have a tough time facing the Clips in a seven-game series come playoff time.
But like the rest of the league, the playoff-bound Clippers will have to wait for the action to resume. For now, let’s take a look back at the three most epic moments of their 2019-20 campaign before the hiatus.
Two statement wins over Lakers
Right off the bat, the Clippers announced that they are major players this season by disposing of crosstown rivals and fellow contenders Los Angeles Lakers on opening day. They weathered the star power of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, all the while missing the services of Paul George in their 112-102 statement win.
The Clips then proved that the victory was no fluke, once again taking control of the “Battle of LA” in their come-from-behind 111-106 win on Christmas Day. Kawhi Leonard pretty much singlehandedly willed his team to victory, torching the Lakers with 35 points, 12 boards, and five dimes in 38 minutes.
The Lakers did manage to one-up the Clips in their third meeting, but those two early wins certainly gave them a slight edge as favorites to emerge out of the West this year.
George drops 37 points in 20 minutes vs Hawks
Paule George missed the first 11 games of the regular season after undergoing two shoulder surgeries in the offseason. He went to work right away and notched 33 points in his first game back against the New Orleans Pelicans.
There were no signs of rust whatsoever, as he dropped 37 points two days later in the Clips' 150-101 lopsided win over the Atlanta Hawks on November 17. Making his feat even more incredible was the fact that PG13 only needed 20 minutes of action to put up those numbers.
George pretty much put the Hawks' defense at his mercy, dropping pull-up jumpers and stepback three-pointers with relative ease. He went on to shoot 10-for-17 from the field and 6-for-11 from downtown. George was even immaculate from the foul line, draining all his 11 attempts.
The 29-year-old swingman even scattered four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, and probably could have eclipsed 50 markers if the game wasn't so lopsided.
Leonard torches Cavs with season-high 43 points
Fans would have wanted to see Kawhi Leonard more often this season, playing in just 51 games before the hiatus due to load management. The Klaw, however, makes sure to make every game count whenever he steps foot onto the hardwood.
Last year's Finals MVP had his best scoring output of the season against the Cleveland Cavaliers, producing 43 points to lead the Clips to a 128-103 win on January 15. Leonard was ultra-efficient from the floor, making 14-of-22 field goals and 6-of-10 attempts from distance.
The NBA's best two-way player actually breached the 40+ point twice already this season, dropping 42 points versus the Minessota Timberwolves last December 14.
For now, Leonard's quest to be the first player to lead three franchises to the Larry O'Brien trophy will be on hold.
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