The LA Clippers find themselves at 2-4 with a loss to the Pelicans

After the LA Clippers’ phenomenal start to the season, head coach Tyronn Lue has been on a four-game losing streak. In fact, three out of those losses have been by a double-digit margin. These performances include defensive breakdowns, poor free-throw line percentages, and insufficient effort on the glass.

Furthermore, the team’s mistakes followed Lue into the 21-point loss versus the New Orleans Pelicans. This seems a bit unusual, as last season was a different story. There would be occasions when the Clippers would have their off nights. Still, they usually fixed their shooting efficiency the very next game.

In their first match-up with the Pelicans, the LA Clippers had some of the worst shooting splits in recent memory. A 20+ point loss is inevitable when the team shoots 41.9% from the field, 28.2% from the three-point line, and 61.5% from the strike. In addition, there were only three players who scored in double figures.

The three-level scoring wing, Norman Powell, was the only player who had momentum as he finished with 18 points, three rebounds, and three assists in only 25 minutes. Moreover, no rotational piece ended with a positive +/-. This shows the players’ impact in a game considered a ‘must-win.’

The LA Clippers need to find a groove before it’s too late.

Six games into what is seen as the most crucial season in franchise history, it is fair to say that the LA Clippers have not lived up to the hype. However, two vital players in, Kawhi Leonard and Marcus Morris, have missed multiple games to start the year. This has held the Clippers back on both ends of the floor.

Especially on the glass, the Clippers could use Morris and Leonard as they were out-rebounded once again. Although a small-ball lineup may work against specific teams, Lue and the front office need a backup center whose primary focus is to crash the glass. This could be an opportunity for the second-round pick, Moussa Diabate, to step up or a free-agent big man searching for his role in the NBA.

Another concern has been surrounding Leonard’s co-star, Paul George. Besides his superb performance versus the Sacramento Kings, George has been extremely underwhelming. In his post-game press conference, George spoke about his struggles and how there needs to be a sense of urgency within the locker room.

As the LA Clippers’ next game is against the Houston Rockets, Lue and his staff must find a way to pull out a win. Additionally, along with Leonard’s knee management, two-way wing Robert Covington and play-making point guard John Wall will also be out. This leaves a ridiculous amount of pressure on the shoulders of Lue as he looks to improve to 3-4.