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Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s Clippers’ Season Could Get Derailed, Fears 4x NBA All-Star “That’s Bit Them in the A** in the Past”

Published 01/30/2024, 8:03 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Los Angeles Clippers have been in fine form this season. They sit near the top of the Western Conference standings, with 30 wins in 45 games. However, their season didn’t start on such a positive note. Following the James Harden blockbuster trade, the Clippers went on to lose in the first five games that Harden played in. This string of losses prompted concerns about team chemistry and their chances of contending for the championship.

However, since December, the Clippers have been on a tear, suffering only five defeats in their last 27 games. Few fans and analysts are doubting their title credentials now. Despite their remarkable form, there’s a sense that the Clippers’ momentum could all come crashing down due to injuries. Players like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, with a patchy injury record, have been sidelined for numerous games in recent seasons.

And 4x All-Star DeMarcus Cousins also holds the same viewpoint. In a recent episode of the Bully Ball Podcast, Cousins suggested that injuries would be the sole factor preventing the Clippers from securing the NBA title. He said, “Health is a big thing. It’s something that’s bit them in the a** in the past. As long as this team (Clippers) remains healthy, they’re only going to get better and better. The chemistry is only going to continue to grow. This is a scary team.”

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The Clippers have demonstrated remarkable team cohesion, establishing themselves as arguably the best team in the NBA since December. With a roster boasting stars like Harden, Kawhi, PG13, and Russell Westbrook, they pose a formidable challenge for any opponent in the league. But can they finally end their long wait for an NBA title in 2024?

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Can the Clippers clinch the 2024 NBA title?

The Los Angeles Clippers have never won an NBA title in their franchise history. However, they have been perennial title contenders since Steve Ballmer took charge of the franchise in 2014. Despite possessing the likes of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, the Clippers could never come close to the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy.

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However, this season could be very different for them. Their current core of Harden, Kawhi and Paul George complement each other’s style perfectly. The current makeup of their roster is nearly flawless, boasting the fourth-best offense in the NBA with an offensive rating of 120.4. Additionally, the Clippers hold the eleventh-best defense in the league, featuring a defensive rating of 114.2. Furthermore, they are shooting at a clip of 39.2% from beyond the arc, which is the best mark in the NBA. The Clippers wouldn’t get a better chance to win an NBA title, and they should capitalize on this opportunity. Fans of LA can only hope that injuries do not hamper their progress because they could win it all this season.

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Written by:

Dushyant Singh

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Dushyant Singh is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. His basketball script journey began in 2020 when he was captivated by the Los Angeles Lakers? triumphant NBA championship win. Before that he was merely dribbling and dunking as a boy next door.
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Edited by:

Ruth John