USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) is tended to after an injury during a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) is tended to after an injury during a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports | Courtesy: Reuters
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George currently occupy the top spot in the Western Conference with their LA Clippers. While they have the same record as their rivals LA Lakers, they hold the edge on their head-to-head record. The Clippers have found their groove after a historic 50-point loss at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks.
One of their keys to success has been the improved play of their 2 superstars. Not only are Kawhi and PG averaging historic shooting percentages, but they are also producing career-high assist numbers.
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This is facilitated by the ball-sharing system that the LA Clippers have under Tyronn Lue, which creates more open three-point shots as well. Kawhi spoke about their success and his on-court chemistry with PG.
Kawhi Leonard on why he and PG have looked so comfortable as playmakers (both producing career-high AST %): "We both know what we need to do and what’s going to help the team. I don’t have to put a battery in his back to encourage him."
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) January 21, 2021
Kawhi Leonard and PG are putting up the production people expected last season. The way their season ended last year has definitely motivated the pair.
Under a new coach in Ty Lue, they seem to be reinvigorated and taking the regular season more seriously than they did last year. Whether this ends their playoff struggles is a question only time can answer.
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George: A year too late?
The best opportunity for the Clippers to win a title was last year. That opportunity went to the LA Lakers instead, and they dominated their way through the Playoffs.
However, the Clippers looked unsteady from the start when they won game one of their first-round playoff series because of a bogus ejection of Kristaps Porzingis.
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
They then blew a 3-1 lead in historic fashion, surrendering double-digit leads in the second half of all elimination games against Denver. It was unlike Kawhi and PG to play like that. However, they seemed to have moved past it and are rolling this season.
The title race is much harder now. The Lakers got better by stealing Montrezl Harrell from the Clippers. The East got stronger, especially with presumed NBA Finalists in the Brooklyn Nets forming a deadly big three. The Clippers have hit their stride, but maybe it is a year too late for them. We will find out if that is the case.
