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The Los Angeles Clippers entered the 2019-20 season with lofty expectations. While they currently hold the no. 2 spot in the Western Conference along with the Denver Nuggets, health issues and chemistry concerns have clouded their campaign so far.
However, their recent statement win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night might just be the indication that they are finally ready to show their true potential as legitimate championship contenders. With the final quarter of the season right around corner, and the playoffs on the horizon, here are some keys for the Clippers for the remainder of the season:
1. Health is Wealth
As mentioned, the injury bug has been L.A.'s worst enemy this season. Some of their key players have been in and out of the lineup throughout the season. Leonard is obviously under his season-long load management program. Paul George, meanwhile, has only played in 37 of their 59 games so far, while starting point guard and defensive leader Patrick Beverley has dealt with his fair share of injuries.
In fact, throughout this season, the Clippers have only had a completely healthy roster in just seven occasions. But their spotless record in those seven games is an indication of their true capabilities when they have everyone on-board. They especially showed that in their dominant victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday.
2. Paul George returning to All-NBA form
In connection to no. 1, George being healthy and regaining his mojo is definitely key to the Clippers chances of winning their first NBA title in franchise history. L.A. pretty much mortgaged their entire future to acquire PG13 in the off-season.
George is coming off an All-NBA campaign and a third-place finish in MVP voting in 2018-19. However, due to his injuries with his shoulder and recently, to his hamstring, the two-way forward hasn't been his best this season. In 37 appearances, George's production and minutes are down compared to last season – just 21.1 points in 29.1 minutes per contest.
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The low minutes clearly indicate that he hasn't been healthy and consequently, his numbers are suffering as well. He did have a solid showing against the Nuggets, top-scoring for the Clippers with 24 points and six triples in just 25 minutes. L.A. will certainly need Friday's version of “Playoff P” if they want to lift up the Larry O'Brien trophy this June.
3. Building Chemistry and Peaking at the right time
On paper, the Clippers have a really deep squad with loads of talent led by two All-NBA caliber players in Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. They also have a great supporting cast led by last season's mainstays, Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, and Montrezl Harrell.
However, talent alone isn't enough to win in this league. Championship teams usually come together at the right time with an established identity and chemistry. Doing so, however, is easier said than done.
The arrival of George and Leonard certainly warranted significant adjustments from the entire team. Likewise, their myriad of injuries and mid-season acquisitions has certainly played a part in their chemistry issues so far. With a month and a half to do so before the postseason begins in mid-April, this is clearly something the Clippers need to work on for the remainder of the season.
4. Consistently dominate their opponents
Finally, L.A. needs to be consistent through this final stretch of the season. However, with their season-long injury issues and new additions in the February trade deadline, L.A. has not shown consistency with their play. On one night, they look like the most unstoppable team in the league. However, on the next. they lose to a lowly team that shouldn't have any business winning over them.
Sure, some may argue that they get it done against the strong teams and show up when it matters most. However, not taking care of business when they should have is still a cause for concern.
With a quarter of the season remaining, the Clippers should flex their muscles and dominate their opponents. Doing so could instill some fear and give some sort of psychological edge against the other contenders around the league. They are definitely capable that, just as they did against Denver on Friday.
