NBA power rankings week 13: Halfway mark, OKC Thunder hold steady
team. 77. . 30-13. Previous: 5th. Los Angeles Clippers. 3
LA Clippers:
Offense: (112.4) 5th
Defense: (105.9) tied 6th
Net: (plus +6.5) 4th
Games Week 13 (3-0): Won vs. Cavaliers:128-103, Magic: 122-95, Pelicans: 133-130
Games Week 14 (4 games): Tues at Mavericks | Weds at Hawks | Fri at Heat | Sun at Magic
Although the Clippers got the sweep in week 13 they got to face the lottery bound Cavaliers, the Magic a night after they beat the Lakers and had to scrap to beat the Pelicans.
Something worth noting is the offense often doesn’t have a rhythm other than iso-ball. Sure, Paul George has missed games but he’s not a player who tends to initiate a ton of offense for others. Similarly, Lou Williams is a point guard and has amazing chemistry with Montrezl Harrell but he isn’t predominantly a catch and shoot player. Rather, he likes to have the ball in his hand initiating his offense.
The problem is Kawhi Leonard also prefers to have the ball in isolation.
Looking back at the title run, it was when Leonard’s injury limited his mobility and the team began moving the ball more, it resulted in his Raptors teammates rediscovering their own shooting rhythm.
It’s something to keep an eye on in terms of how Doc Rivers will address the segments of the game where the ball stops and players stand watching Kawhi, Lou and PG once he returns.
The good news is Kawhi has been there – done that & will do what’s necessary to win. But – will Paul George? And, how are the dynamics different in LA than they were in Toronto?
To that end, Montrezl already called out the team and each of Trez, PatBev, and LouWill enjoy the spotlight. Will they be content to be in the shadows doing the grunt work while Kawhi & PG gain all the glory?