NBA Western Power Rankings Week 4: Warriors make history
By Tom West
November 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) speaks with guard Chris Paul (3) during a stoppage in play against Toronto Raptors during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
8th: Los Angeles Clippers (24 points)
By Jeff Nisius
Record: 6-7
Record last week: 0-3
Occam’s Razor has struck the Los Angeles Clippers. Anything that can go wrong, has, outside of serious injuries.
The team is currently in the midst of a three-game losing streak and if not for an improbable comeback against the Detroit Pistons on November 14, the losing streak would be up to six games.
Doc Rivers’ bench has not played as well as expected. Jamal Crawford is shooting 38 percent from the field, Josh Smith seemed out of place at center, Paul Pierce looks nothing like the playoff version of himself from last season and Lance Stephenson has essentially been benched.
There is too much talent and experience to continue to lose games, even this early in the season, and something has to change. The effort level needs to increase, overall, and hopefully that is exactly what happens following a player’s meeting after losing to the Toronto Raptors last Sunday.
Next: Utah Jazz