When it comes down to taking the last shot for the Los Angeles Clippers, it may be difficult for head coach Doc Rivers to decide who should take it. The Clippers have several players who are formidable in the game's closing seconds and thrive in those situations.
However, it should come down to either Kawhi Leonard or Lou Williams, considering the amount of experience they both have. Since it's the last shot attempt, only one player can take it, so who should it be, Leonard or Willians?
Lou Williams
Taking a look at Williams's “clutch squared” field goals this season, he's shooting 85.7%, significantly above the league benchmark of 40.0%. Furthermore, his numbers show that he's the clutches player on the Clippers this season. This shouldn't come as no surprise, Williams has proven that he can excel in clutch situations throughout his career. Williams's ability to create his own shot makes him difficult to defend in late-game situations.
Even though he's is 33-years-old, he's still as feared as anyone when the game is on the line. With that being said, Williams makes a strong case as being the player who should take the last shot for the Clippers.
Kawhi Leonard
Leonard has shot 60% in clutch squared situations this season, which is the third-best on the Clippers. (Lou Williams is first, and Montrezl Harrell is second). However, after Leonard's unforgettable playoff performances last season, he's unquestionably a player whose hands should have the ball in late in games. Leonard's clutch plays in last year's playoffs reveal how he can be as trusted as anyone in the game's final seconds.
Even though Leonard doesn't necessarily play hero ball, he's a smart player and knows when to make the right plays, similar to Lebron James. Furthermore, as Leonard is in the midst of his prime right now, he's become the most feared player late in games.
The Verdict
Given the circumstances of how much more experience Leonard has than Williams in clutch situations, there's no doubt Leonard should take the last shot for the Clippers. Even though Williams shot better in clutch situations this season, Leonard's experience will certainly come in handy, especially in the playoffs.
Leonard thrives in the playoffs and has a knack for finding a mid-range jumper whenever he can. Keep in mind, Leonard has one of the deadliest mid-range jumpers in the league, and once he finds his spot, it's basically a layup for him. So when Doc Rivers needs to design a play to attempt a game-tying or game-winning shot, it should be for Kawhi Leonard.
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