The Golden State Warriors look to be dominant yet again, but could the Los Angeles Clippers have the pieces to surprise the dynasty?
The Los Angeles Clippers have fallen in the shadow of the Western Conference. The Warriors have once again taken the league by storm with their move to acquire DeMarcus Cousins during free agency. With all the speculation around the Warriors dominating the NBA another year, the Clippers appear out of the picture entirely. However, it’s possible they will turn into the Golden State secret killer.
The Clippers’ capacity to be the silent assassin is entirely weighted in their defense. The Clips have a talented roster and defensive success against the Warriors relies on each match up individually. The Warriors’ talent is simply unprecedented.
The Clippers’ most tenacious defender in Patrick Beverly would have to guard arguably the greatest shooter of all time in Stephen Curry.
Another strong defensive Clipper, Luc Mbah A Moute would likely guard Kevin Durant. This match up would only limit Kevin Durant‘s makes.
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Marcin Gortat on DeMarcus Cousins would end up being the only match up that seems it could become completely lopsided defensively for the Clippers.
Avery Bradley on Klay Thompson is a solid match-up and the two likely would cancel each other out.
Lastly, Tobias Harris can be hidden on Draymond Green, but Green would cause nightmares for Harris on the offensive end.
Although the Clippers have strong defensive assets, there is slim chance of them completely stopping the Warriors offensively. Even by limiting them, the offense generated by this Clippers’ lineup simply does not compete with the greatness of Golden State.
For now, it doesn’t seem possible that they cause too much trouble for the reigning champs. Instead, the need to focus on the future. Two max free agent contracts next off-season could shape the franchise into a force that could overthrow the Warriors entirely.
The Warriors are the favorites to win it all this year and for good reason, but the Clips are the element of surprise. Realistically, the Warriors would outlast the LA Clippers in a playoff series. Nevertheless, this regular season the Clippers will be a gift to watch compete against the powerhouse within the NBA.