Clippers can't shy away from their weaknesses
The Los Angeles Clippers have been a consistent playoff contender in recent years, but their postseason run has often been cut short due to their inability to overcome certain weaknesses. In the 2022 playoffs, for instance, they were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in six games. As the team looks to build on their progress and make a deeper run in the playoffs, they will need to address these areas of weakness.
One of the main issues that the Clippers have struggled with is their three-point defense. In the 2022 playoffs, they allowed opponents to shoot 41.5% from beyond the arc, which was the highest mark in the league during the postseason. This is a concerning trend, especially considering that the Clippers have a strong three-point shooting unit of their own. As The Athletic noted, "The Clippers' inability to guard the three-point line is a major concern, and it's something that they need to address if they want to make a deeper run in the playoffs."
Another area where the Clippers have struggled is in the paint. They have been outrebounded by opponents in several key playoff games, which has led to issues with securing rebounds and defending against opponents' scoring attacks. As Sports Illustrated noted, "The Clippers' lack of size and rebounding ability has been a major issue in the playoffs, and it's something that they need to address if they want to compete with the best teams in the league."
Despite these weaknesses, the Clippers have a talented roster that is capable of making a deep run in the playoffs. They have a strong core of players, including Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Reggie Jackson, who have all shown the ability to perform at a high level in big games. However, if they want to take their game to the next level, they will need to address their weaknesses and become a more well-rounded team.
"We need to be more consistent," Clippers head coach Ty Lue said in a recent interview. "We need to be able to guard the three-point line and we need to be able to rebound. Those are two areas where we need to improve if we want to make a deeper run in the playoffs."
As the Clippers look to build on their progress and make a deeper run in the playoffs, they will need to focus on addressing their weaknesses and becoming a more well-rounded team. With a talented roster and a strong coach, they have the potential to be a top contender in the league. However, it will take hard work and dedication to overcome their areas of weakness and achieve their goals.
"We need to be more consistent. We need to be able to guard the three-point line and we need to be able to rebound. Those are two areas where we need to improve if we want to make a deeper run in the playoffs." - Ty Lue, Clippers head coach