As confetti rained down on the Golden State Warriors following their title clinching win against the Boston Celtics last night, several LA Clippers players were left seething, inspired, and highly motivated.
The 2021-22 season was expected to be an arduous road for LA but one that would result in a fruitful ending. Kawhi Leonard, LA’s most important player, crumbled in a heap following Game 4 of the 2021 Western Conference Semis against the Utah Jazz due to a torn ACL. As he continued to attack his rehab stint, several were of the belief that if his recuperative powers allowed, Leonard would rejoin LA on the court for a playoff push. Yet, despite keeping the door ajar, Leonard never received the green light, thus missing the entirety of the year.
In addition to Leonard, LA dealt with the injury bug all year long as Paul George was forced to miss 51 games due to torn ligaments in his right elbow. With LA dealing with a bevy of injuries, along with their own vagarious play, they were forced to watch the postseason festivities from the sidelines, despite winning 42 games.
LA’s absence from this year’s playoffs flung the door wide open for Golden State. The championship-laced franchise waltzed through the Denver Nuggets, winning their series in five games. They then showed an upstart Memphis Grizzlies squad the door, taking care of business in six games before doing the same to Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks in the Conference Finals.
Along the way, Clippers players watched faithfully as Golden State continued their march toward their fourth title in eight seasons and seventh overall title in their franchise history.
After enduring an arduous and deleterious regular season, several NBA players have opted to kick their feet up and relax. Doing so has become the norm. Extravagant vacation photos have flooded social media timelines as countless ball players are allowing their bodies to rest. Nevertheless, in the case of the LA Clippers, they have put off their benign vacation time in lieu of more work in the gym.
Back to the grind. pic.twitter.com/vvlp3x9szU
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) June 15, 2022
While Golden State celebrates, LA Clippers players are working quietly
Noticeably missing from LA’s well-timed workout video was their two leading stars, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Still, despite their absence, both players have made countless appearances on the basketball this offseason.
George was recently spotted getting up jumpers and perfecting his craft alongside 5-star high school star Kel’el Ware. As for Leonard, the former two-time Defensive Player of the Year has continued his own offseason strategy to work his way back into form, recently linking up with longtime trainer Clint Parks.
For now, Golden State will continue to bask in their championship glory. Their smiles are bright and wide, as their fists remain clenched and raised in victory. The moment is yours. It was rightly earned. However, as their championship parade is now being planned, the LA Clippers are quietly working to make sure their latest reign is transient.