LA Clippers: 3 biggest concerns so far this season

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 28: Head coach Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers talks with his team during a timeout against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 28, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 28: Head coach Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers talks with his team during a timeout against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 28, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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LA Clippers, Kawhi Leonard
LA Clippers Kawhi Leonard (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

2. Can the LA Clippers attack the paint better?

I thought about this and wondered if there was just recency bias from the game on Tuesday versus the Brooklyn Nets. If you remember, Paul George only attempted one free throw in that game and overall the team shot just 17 compared to the Nets’ 26 attempts. In a four point game, that can be a difference-maker.

It’s worse than just that single game, though.

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The Clippers rank 27th in the league in free throw attempts per game at 20.1. This is partly indicative of their style and hot shooting (they’re the top 3P% team in the league) but seeing them attack the rim more would obviously open up that deep ball.

Don’t believe me? They also rank 27th in the league in shots attempted from within five feet despite ranking fourth in field goal percentage from that area.

Not great.

This might just be something Ty is doing to save the players’ bodies during the season. Paul George, in particular, has not attacked the rim as often but we have seen it slowly increase as the season has gone on. Maybe the Clippers will focus more on that once the playoffs hit but until we see it happen, we have to go with what we know.

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