In the postseason, the LA Clippers must combine what worked in the regular season with previous experience. This level of basketball is played at a slower pace but with far more pressure and active movements on and off the ball.
Furthermore, head coach Tyronn Lue must solidify a rotation of eight players or fewer who will play from start to finish for a seven-game series. From here, Lue can mix and match different guys with the strengths and drawbacks of others to enforce consistency, efficiency, and impact.
The starting lineup, with everyone healthy, will include James Harden, Norman Powell, Derrick Jones Jr., Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac. These five are the Clippers' clear best at each position, and they will begin tipoff with a strong burst of scoring, playmaking, and defensive urgency.
However, once it is time to rotate in and out, Lue and his staff should immediately insert the players that coexisted best with each other in the regular season. This is key to winning against relatively every matchup in the Western Conference.
Net ratings demonstrate which lineup the Clippers should use most in the playoffs
When superstar Kawhi Leonard returned to the court, Tyronn Lue had to generate five-man lineups to observe which produced the most. Though most starters remained put, the first substitution that should be made is the defensive stud, Kris Dunn, based upon evaluation.
This season, Dunn is averaging 6.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, shooting 42.9% from the field and 30.7% from a distance. He has also recorded an astonishing 1.8 steals per game(third in the NBA) in 23.7 minutes, which is incredibly efficient.
Moreover, the lineup of Kris Dunn, James Harden, Norman Powell, Derrick Jones Jr., and Ivica Zubac has an offensive rating of 114.4 and a defensive rating of 103.3 in 287 minutes. This 11.1 net rating is among the best in the league(minimum of 350 possessions).
Despite his sub-par three-point shooting, Dunn can defend any star and force a turnover with his quick hands. In fact, the eight-year veteran averages 3.2 deflections per game. Throughout the season, Dunn did an outstanding job against talents like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James, who are much bigger than his six-foot-three frame.
That said, Lue should not overcomplicate his game plan and look to Dunn when Leonard needs a break. He can comfortably rest his two-time champion on the bench, knowing the players in the game can still take command.