For a while, LA fans have a reason to smile and get excited about. While the Lakers are nowhere in contention for a berth in the upcoming NBA playoffs, the Clippers are making a relevant run. However, that perception may have actually changed as of late.
Earlier this March, The Los Angeles Clippers have almost caught up with the Utah Jazz for fourth spot in the Western Conference. Then a three-game losing streak has got in the way. With a 40-29 win-loss slate, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder are closing in on them.
The struggles of Doc Rivers's squad prior to the All-Star break may have been warranted due to injuries that hit Blake Griffin and Chris Paul. With both standouts back on the line-up, the Clippers are still struggling. As manifested by shooter JJ Redick, who seems to disclose the confusion surrounding the team, the pros from Tinsel town are definitely in need of awakening or some form of motivation.
The LA Clippers are now 5-8 since the league's grand weekend festivities. Judging from Redick's statement, there is a reason to be concerned by head coach Doc Rivers thinks otherwise. The former Boston Celtic mentor believes that the current stretch is nothing to be worried about.
He may be right since resting his two best big men in De Andre Jordan and Griffin is necessary in preparation to a much higher stakes ahead. Without the duo in the middle, the Denver Nuggets have routed LA lately. With the way other top teams have been coping around the NBA, Rivers may also have a case in point.
Golden State, for instance, has lost half of their last ten games. The Spurs have even caught up with them for the lead in the overall standings at one point. The same thing is happening in the East. Cleveland has been beaten four out of five at one stretch. Even Boston and Toronto have their own troubles.
While Rivers has admitted that the Clippers are not playing great basketball, the road ahead involves a lot of figuring out. Teams are undergoing some stuff to keep themselves better prepared during the playoff rigors starting in April.
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