Doc Rivers and the Los Angeles Clippers win their fifth straight game. LA has moved into second in the Western Conference with this victory. Through sixteen games they have a 11-5 record. Critics had the Los Angeles Clippers as one of the teams on the lower spectrum of the Western Conference standings. However, they have proved those critics wrong so far. A good majority of their victories come against winning teams as well. Some of their notable wins were earned against the Warriors, the Spurs, and the Bucks. They lost to the Portland Trail Blazers by eleven on the road who are currently sitting atop the West in the standings.
LA Clippers as Legitimate Playoff Contenders
For now yes. They continue to defeat the teams they should beat. By surprise, they have been defeating the teams they are supposed to lose to. Next, the question is can they sustain this until the end of the season? Yes, if they all stay healthy.
They were able to defeat the Warriors, however, that was without Stephen Curry. Now the question is, can the keep pace with Curry on the floor? Probably not, but it is possible. Furthermore, they earned victories against the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder with and without their All-Star players. The Clippers are full of skilled players that are rising stars. According to the NBA Power Rankings, the Clippers are ranked number six on the list. Let me remind everyone Doc Rivers has NBA Finals experience.
Montrezl Harrell Records a Double-Double
Harrell continues to provide for the Clippers consistently posting double-doubles. Against the Atlanta Hawks, he had twenty-five points, eleven rebounds, and five steals in the win. LA traded for center Marcin Gortat in the off-season after losing DeAndre Jordan in free agency.
Let us all remember they have the sixth man of the year winner in Lou Williams. Then during the draft, they traded for their future point guard in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who has showcased what he is capable of. Now, Harrell has been stepping up for the Clippers to compliment his team.
Furthermore, let us not forget about Danilo Gallinari, Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, amongst others. The Clippers now has depth and is displaying to the league why right now they are legitimate playoff contenders. Los Angeles is only going to improve from this point. In the very tough West, the wins won’t come easy.
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