© Kevin Jairaj | 2023 Dec 20
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The LA Clippers have struggled tremendously since their return from All-Star break. There are several different key factors that can circled regarding the reasoning for the Clippers abysmal play as of recently.
The main reasons that have been placed under the microscope recently has been the number of additions and subtractions that have been made to the Clippers injury report over the last few weeks. As well as the inconsistency in play from Paul George and James Harden.
Since All-Star break ended the Clippers have seen SEVEN of their players who play regular minutes featured on the injury report.
Though it’s not a secret that injuries can cause a team to struggle, no injury has been as costly to the Clippers as the loss of Russell Westbrook on March 1st in their win against the Washington Wizards. Westbrook fractured his hand early in the second quarter of the game.
Prior to the injury, Westbrook was bringing the Clippers some must needed energy to both sides of the ball, while also being a true leader for the team.
The Clippers are hoping to have Westbrook back from his injury and ready to help the team make a run in the playoffs.
The injury report is not the only thing that is holding this Clippers squad down, as two of their star players have been going through a rough stretch since All-star break.
Both Paul George and James Harden have been playing very inconsistent and inefficient basketball as of late. Though Harden has been dealing with a shoulder injury, he should be playing at a higher level when he is on the court.
The inconsistencies of both the Clippers play on the court and the injury report has led to their head coach Tyronn Lue questioning of the team has it in them to “flip a switch” and get ready to win games and play playoff basketball.
Lue’s response when asked if the team has it in them to flip the switch was, “I don’t know. It’s my first time having this team, but I’ve seen teams flip the switch before. A lot of times actually. I’ve been a part of a lot of teams that can flip the switch and be great when the postseason comes.”
The Clippers have put up a record of 6-7 since All-star break, and on a 1-7 record against winning teams.
It is looking like an uphill battle for the Clippers to get to where they need to be if they want to make a run for title in this years playoffs.