Can the defense stay at this level?
Seven games into the 2016-17 season, it’s the LA Clippers’ defense that has led them to a 6-1 record.
We knew from watching the team last season that they’d improved defensively. After ranking 15th in defensive efficiency in 2014-15 and shooting up to 4th in 2015-16, an improved level of intensity, improvement from guys like Austin Rivers, and the arrival of Luc Mbah a Moute and Cole Aldrich enabled the Clippers to become more of a two-way team. After losing Aldrich in free agency to the richer Minnesota Timberwolves, though, the interior defense of the second unit has taken a hit, but it’s hardly been too troubling so far.
It’s impossible to deny that Aldrich is a far better defender, rebounder and rim protector than new backup center Marreese Speights, but the Clippers as a whole and the other defensive weapons they have off the bench have been compensating awfully well for the loss of Aldrich.
High pressure on ball handlers, timely switching, improved rebounding and overall intensity have this Clippers team leading the NBA in defensive efficiency. Seriously, they rank 1st. In allowing a mere 90.3 points per 100 possessions, they’re easily ahead of 2nd place Atlanta (94), too.
One of many sequences where the #Clippers dominated the #Pistons. Starting with a @mbahamoute block, ending in a @CP3 crossover and 3 pic.twitter.com/HKmBoV43rW
— Clipperholics (@ClipperholicsFS) November 8, 2016
Even though we could well see a drop off from 1st place at some point, the Clippers have already handled themselves incredibly well on defense against a few tough teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies, Spurs and Detroit Pistons.
The biggest question mark right now is how Speights can continue to get by as the obvious weakness, whether he keep positioning himself well, draws a host of charge calls (he drew four against Utah alone), and provides effort around the basket.
He will be exposed sometimes and it can’t be avoided. But with the return of Griffin to bring more size and rebounding, it really all comes down to how locked in the team can be.
If the focus, effort and communication is there as it has been, and the bench continues to impress as it has, the Clippers’ overall defense could be a highly pleasant surprise this season.