With their disappointing loss to the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, the LA Clippers got a much needed early ego check that will help them in the long run.
As the LA Clippers fell to the Suns 130-122, last night (October 26), the unexpected result actually benefits the Clippers. This early into the season, with two big wins, the Clippers needed a wake-up call. The Phoenix game was supposed to be a cakewalk, rather, the Clippers lost and their defense looked unorganized.
The Clippers are the favorites to win the title. Leadership under Kawhi Leonard has been benefiting the Clippers, ego wise and humility wise, but they need him to really take the reigns. Leonard is calm and collected, he has been his whole career. Kawhi still was consistently dropping points, 27 on the night with ten assists on season-high minutes.
The ego check came abruptly and in tune with two wins against giants. Notice how the Suns were without their second-best player in Deandre Ayton after his suspension. This is a bad look for the Clippers. Although, around the league speculating analysts are quick to judge that this loss to the Suns solidifies us as not the team everyone thought we’d be. However, speculation is just speculation, the basis of this judgment is on one game, whereas, the Clippers have 79 more to play.
While Kelly Oubre torched the Clippers, Lou Williams was a bit stagnate. But, this happens from time to time and nothing to over-dramatize. Defensively, the Clippers looked out of tune the whole game, the Suns had 43 three-point attempts and shot 40%. This can never happen again if the Clippers want to secure wins.
In winning against the first two opponents, the third game of the season resulted in a loss against a team the Clippers thought they would definitely secure a win against. The Clippers should use this game as an ego check and growth point early in the season. They should be thankful it isn’t a game that really messes up a consistent rhythm since the season has just commenced. Next game, Charlotte Hornets, it is time to settle the score.