3. Superstar power
Playoffs all come down to who has guys that can get your team buckets when it counts the most. The Clippers have multiple players who can do this and are led by two of the best in the league in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
George can get hot from any level but is especially strong at getting his shot off the dribble. Teams would have enough trouble stopping him alone but with Kawhi Leonard on the other wing, there isn’t a lot they could do.
We all saw the level of play Kawhi is capable of reaching in the playoffs last season. Keep in mind, he was doing that while hampered and has said he felt healthier this season. Just having those two players leading the charge would be enough to overwhelm the lower-seeded first round matchup.
No, a sweep is never an easy thing, especially in a seven-game series. All it takes is one off night or one very hot night from your opponent to drop a single game. Still, the Clippers just have so much going for them on this roster. Between their depth, ability to defend, their superstars and even their head coach, it makes sense that a first round sweep seemed not only possible but almost a foregone conclusion. Hopefully, we still get a chance to see that come to fruition.