The Morning After: Chris Paul, Clippers’ Bench Fuels Blowout vs. Lakers

Mar 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Clippers forward Brandon Bass (30) and forward Wesley Johnson (33) defend against Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) in the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Clippers forward Brandon Bass (30) and forward Wesley Johnson (33) defend against Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) in the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 13, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers reacts during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers reacts during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

And we back and we back

I’ll be the first to tell you that maybe, maybe the Clippers are back.

It seems as though the majority of us here at Clipperholics are hesitant, simply because of the quality of teams we’ve played lately. However, LA is on its first 3-game win streak since February 15, after defeating the Hornets, Jazz, and Hawks.

Over the last 3, LA is outscoring their opponents by an average of 21 points per game and doing so in dominant fashion. The largest deficit? Four points, at the beginning of the second quarter against the Cavs.

The biggest test of whether the Clippers are officially “back” or not will be the next two games. On Thursday, LA will travel to Dallas to take on the Mavericks, who are a difficult team to face on the road. On Saturday, the Clips will have their final game of the regular season against the Utah Jazz, likely their first-round opponent. If the Clippers can win those two, it’ll be safe to say that the odds are in our favor entering the playoffs.

The defense is looking solid once again, shots are falling, and the team is running as a team should. Don’t get your hopes up just yet Clippers Nation, but get ready to get excited. Things are looking up again, and it feels so good.

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