LA Clippers’ Power Rankings: Team drops after 2-2 week
The LA Clippers had a poor week by their standards, going an even .500. The team started off the week with an easy win over a hot Washington Wizards team but then dropped what should have been another easy win versus the Memphis Grizzlies.
Thankfully, they bounced back on the second night in Memphis, pulling out the win. On Sunday, the team squandered a game to the Milwaukee Bucks after going scoreless in the final four minutes.
With such an up-and-down disappointing week for the team, it’s no surprise they fell in everyone’s weekly power rankings.
ESPN Power Rankings: LA Clippers #4
For ESPN, the LA Clippers dropped down just two spots. That’s not too bad considering ESPN still has them over the Bucks, Phoenix Suns, and Philadelphia 76ers. Maybe ESPN is just giving them the benefit of the doubt, especially considering that the Milwaukee game remained close and was just a five point loss despite the frigid final minutes of the games for the Clips.
Bleacher Report Power Rankings: LA Clippers #7
Dropping three spots on Bleacher Report makes sense. The LA Clippers’ inability to generate easy shots is becoming apparent and while this may not be the final iteration of the offense, it still seems like they could attack the basket more.
"The Clippers’ loss to the Bucks also featured a few recurring issues. They were outscored in the paint again, this time 48-30. They rank 27th in points in the paint. The Clippers were also outscored in transition 22-2. For the season they rank just 24th in fast-break points."
The team also generated only seven free throw attempts in Sunday’s loss, something that has been a bigger concern all year. We’ll just have to wait and see if the team preaches going downhill more once the postseason rolls around.
CBS Sports Power Rankings: LA Clippers #4
Only a slight drop for the LA Clippers on CBS Sports. It’s more of the same, questioning the team’s shot selection late in the game versus the Bucks. CBS is starting to push the narrative that this team might need to add another ball-handler but personally, I don’t see the necessity.
NBA.com Power Rankings: LA Clippers #6
The Clips only dropped one spot on NBA.com. While the drop isn’t that big, the reasoning makes it seem like the Clippers have some real issues.
"Over their three losses in the last eight days, the Clippers were outscored by 43 points (56-13) on fast breaks and by 70 points (124–54) in the restricted area. 70! As they went scoreless on seven straight possessions down the stretch in Milwaukee on Sunday, they weren’t able to get to the line and got to the basket for just one of their eight shots, with George unable to finish over Jrue Holiday. Leonard’s 7-for-25 (28%) on clutch shots ranks last among players who’ve attempted at least 25. He’s 2-for-2 in the restricted area and 5-for-23 outside it."
A lack of fast break scoring combined with an inability to score at the basket and getting to the free throw line may be a concern for the postseason. There’s no reason to think things won’t change under Ty Lue, especially considering he probably hasn’t shown his whole hand yet.
For now, though, the criticism is fair and if the Clippers want to knock off top teams in close games, they’ll have to address those issues.
Next. The Clippers Get an Easy Stretch to Recuperate. dark
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