The LA Clippers are somehow rewriting NBA history books with a turnaround that defies all statistical probability. After starting the season 6-21, the Clippers have stormed back with a stunning 16-3 record in their last 19 games, sitting at 22-24 and just two wins from .500.
Here's the jaw-dropping context: Of the 116 teams in NBA history that started 6-21 or worse through 27 games, not a single one has ever clawed back to .500 at any point during that same season. The Clippers are already at 22 wins with 36 games remaining, making a .500 finish not just possible but increasingly likely.
The turnaround has been so dramatic that Clippers blogger Robert Flom had to literally eat his words. This was a dramatic, yet fun sight to see, which took several social media platforms by storm.
The Clippers' superstar duo has been operating on an elite level
The catalyst for this historic run has been the superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden playing at levels few thought possible at this stage of their careers. Since December 20, Leonard has been the only player in the NBA averaging over 30 points and two steals per game.
Harden has been equally impressive, averaging 24.6 points during the same stretch while orchestrating the offense with vintage precision. The duo's dominance has been precise, and came clutch during countless crunch-time minutes.
What's remarkable is that both stars are performing at these levels despite being in their mid-30s. Leonard has dealt with a left knee contusion but refuses to sit during crucial fourth-quarter moments, and Harden, who turns 37 this year, looks as spry and quick with the ball as he did during his Houston Rockets prime.
The Clippers' role players have shown up to each occasion
While Kawhi Leonard and James Harden deserve the headlines, the supporting cast has been equally crucial to this turnaround. Jordan Miller has emerged as the team's second-best guard, scoring effortlessly and providing a net positive every time he touches the floor, and right next to him is John Collins, who has found his groove after trade rumors swirled.
The Clippers now sit 10th in the Western Conference, tied for the ninth seed, positioned perfectly for the play-in tournament. For a team that was near last place just before Christmas, reaching this point in the blink of an eye is a miracle. The only question now is how far this historic run can take them.