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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 18: Coach Tyronn Lue and Rajon Rondo #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers on the sideline during the second half of the game against Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on April 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 18: Coach Tyronn Lue and Rajon Rondo #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers on the sideline during the second half of the game against Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on April 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Clippers are on course to win the NBA championship this season, despite languishing in third place. Coach Tyronn Lue built a solid team, and the franchise looks focused on bringing the Larry O’Brien trophy home. In an interview with Kenny Smith, Rajon Rondo discussed how Kawhi Leonard and Serge Ibaka instilled a winning mentality in the team. With Paul George also in their ranks, the Clippers are on their way to the playoffs yet again.
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Clippers moving in the right direction
“It’s an unselfish organization. Starts with the GM, the president, trickles down to coach Tyronn Lue and then the players. I love this organization, since day 1, since I came, they’ve treated me like royalty.
“So it’s only fair that I give it back with 110%, so we definitely have the DNA. I feel like I personally have that blueprint, a lot of guys in this locker room have that blueprint.
“Tyronn Lue is a multiple-time champion himself, Kawhi Leonard, Serge, so we have the DNA. We have all the talent and the blueprint to do it, it’s just a matter of coming together and doing the job with one another,” said Rondo.
USA Today via Reuters
Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo (9) sits on the court with his son after game six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. The Los Angeles Lakers won 106-93 to win the series. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Two-time champion, Rajon Rondo, provides plenty of experience to the Clippers. Adding Kawhi and Ibaka to the mix speaks volumes about the personalities and leadership within the squad. In addition, Paul George looks a man determined this time around. He averages 23.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists with an effective field goal percentage of 56.3. With Luke Kennard, DeMarcus Cousins, and Patrick Beverley adding to the depth, they are expected to have a deep run in the playoffs.
Will the Clippers finally break their hoodoo?
Clippers have a record of 45 wins and 22 losses as of now, while winning their last two games. They have an offensive rating of 113.9, which is ranked second-best in the league. The potential is there for this team to win a championship, but it all depends on how the players and coaches turn up to the task ahead.
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
For the last couple of seasons, Clippers president Lawrence Frank has quietly assembled a championship-winning team. Tyronn Lue has plenty of experience to manufacture this side into an offensive juggernaut while remaining responsible at the defensive side of the court. With all the jigsaw puzzle pieces put together, the time has come for this franchise to reach the peak of perfection.
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