The Clippers, despite a crazy playoff series, could not qualify for the NBA Finals. However, as a consolation prize, they can feel good about entering their first ever WCF in 51 years. But still, losing out after coming so close to the ultimate glory can be disheartening and it showed when their players faced the media questioning. 

The LA-based franchise missed out on Kawhi Leonard and hence it was an achievement to stretch it to game 6. They were up against a #2 seed and one of the healthiest NBA teams in 2020-21, making it ever so tough. 

Reggie Jackson showing his raw emotions

Star guard Reggie Jackson was playing in his career’s 10th season and only the second with the Clippers. After a not-so-convincing regular season, the 30-YO had elevated his game in the past couple of weeks. The star averaged a career playoff-high 18.1 points and started in 16/18 games for the Clips.

In the post-game interview, the man was red in his eyes and sobbing in his voice. The star expressed his gratitude and credited PG for his resurgence, “The most challenging year, most fun year. Actually we played with ups and downs, guys being injured, still finding my way in this locker room. First thing I told those guys is, Thank you for saving me. I appreciate every guy in the locker room. I appreciate Paul [George] for getting on my phone last year at the end of the season when it was time to buy with Detroit… the city making me feel home, my strengths, my weaknesses. I’m not here today without this team. I’m not still playing without this team.”

Reggie was the catch-and-shoot expert for the Clippers this season. He shot three-pointers at 41.5% and averaged more than three such conversions per game. 

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What led to the fall of the Clippers against the Suns?

Their main arm, Kawhi Leonard, could not participate in the series and that cost them huge sums on both ends. Plus, center Ivica Zubac missed half of the series against the Suns, further taking away that rim protection and a chance to go big and physical. 

If anything, they did have a great cameo coming from DeMarcus Cousins off the bench. But at the same time, Rajon Rondo failed to produce what he did with the Lakers in the last season. With that, even as Patrick Beverley tried to catch-up, an inconsistent Nicolas Batum and Marcus Morris did not help them when the opponents got tougher.

With Paul George scoring his career-high playoff numbers, they still needed some more offensive capability which they clearly lacked. But when all is said and done, one can look back and see how bravely they played.

Steve Ballmer can now hope for them to reach the NBA Finals in next season, if a star is added and they could stay healthy throughout.

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