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Three reasons the LA Clippers would have swept the first round

By Ryan Snellings

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: The LA Clippers Hoop Troop celebrates after the game against the Orlando Magic on January 16, 2020 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 16: The LA Clippers Hoop Troop celebrates after the game against the Orlando Magic on January 16, 2020 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LA Clippers, Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard LA Clippers (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The NBA playoffs were slotted to start today prior to the pandemic. Had they started here are three reasons the LA Clippers would have swept the first round.

The NBA playoffs were scheduled to start on April 18. Instead, we have not had basketball for over a month and have no clue when we will see players back on the court. The LA Clippers looked to finish as the second seed in the Western Conference and were poised to make a run.

As the second seed, the Clips would be the heavy favorites to come out and make it to the Western Conference Finals.

Who would they face? That was still a little up in the air. Honesty, that doesn’t matter.

light. More. Ranking the Clippers possible first round opponents

Here are three reasons the LA Clippers would have swept the first round regardless of the opponent.

1. Multiple defenders

No matter what team the Clippers drew in the first round, defending their superstars would not be an issue. This team was constructed to have multiple defenders to throw at opponents, especially those on the wing positions.

Luka Doncic, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul. No matter which star was playing against the Clippers, they would have a tough time scoring. It all starts with Patrick Beverley. I don’t need to sit here and tell Clipper Nation what kind of player Bev is but his intensity and drive early sets the tone for the rest of the team.

Everyone is also aware of the defensive capabilities of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Marcus Morris being in the starting lineup just adds another switchable defender to the group.

Yes, the Clippers have several go-to scorers but in the playoffs having a way to shut the opposition is key. With that in place in multiple positions, the Clippers would be able to shut down less deep teams like those they would meet in the first round.

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