
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) celebrates with forward Serge Ibaka (9) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George (13) celebrates with forward Serge Ibaka (9) and forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Coming into the season, the LA Clippers were touted as one of the biggest challengers for the Lakers for the Western Conference throne. Despite making minimal moves, the Clippers looked relatively solid on paper.
Led by two-way beasts like Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers were impressive in the regular season. Despite being constantly stuck with an injury or two, the Clippers finished as the fourth seed in the stacked Western Conference.

USA Today via Reuters
Jun 22, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverley (21) celebrates with Paul George (13) and Terance Mann (14) against the Phoenix Suns in the second half during game two of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
But the Clippers did not have a solid start to their playoffs. Going down 2-0 against the Mavs, LAC looked in a lot of trouble. The Clippers made a comeback against Doncic and Co. and clinched the series in seven games.
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It was the same case against the Jazz. Winning the series in six games, the Clippers finally made it to the Conference Finals. But with injury to Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers ultimately couldn’t continue their Cinderella run and faltered in six games against the Suns.
Charles Barkley explains why LA Clippers had a successful season
Despite having two legitimate superstars in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers haven’t had any significant success in the playoffs so far. While they were riddled with injuries this season, many fans and pundits have been critical of the franchise’s lack of silverware.
READ MORE- Grizzlies’ Ja Morant Thinks Paul George Does Not Deserve The Criticism he Gets
Hall of Famer Charles Barkley certainly doesn’t think the same. In a recent appearance at the Dan Patrick show, Chuck explained why he thinks the Clippers indeed had a good season. “Considering they had never gotten to the Conference Finals, to get their without Kawhi is a great season.”
He added, “They had never gotten to the conference Finals before and to lose your best player and get their and beat the team who were the number one seed, I think you can consider it as a success.”
With two first round picks left for the next seven years, LAC have taken a massive gamble in their future. Given that they aspire to be a championship team, Kawhi and Co.’s title window is closing in real fast.
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With teams like the Nets and the Lakers will look to add some more players to the roster, the Clippers management have to ensure that they have a better supporting cast around their dynamic duo.
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Despite Leonard testing free agency, the Clippers will hope that their star player re-signs. If ‘the Klaw’ and PG13 perform the way they did in this season’s playoffs, the Clippers might become champions next season. Can Ty Lue and Co. keep hold of their superstar and run-it back next season?
WATCH THIS STORY: Paul George Missing Clutch Free throws, Chris Paul’s Masterclass & Other LA Clippers vs Phoenix Suns WCF Game 4 Highlights
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