In the NBA, when one player loses his burst, offensive struggles begin to appear out of thin air. However, when multiple players declining similarly, like the 2025-26 LA Clippers, unite, everyone's flaw is the same. Hence, the Clippers' inability to beat defenders with their first step, due to a lack of explosiveness, has resulted in atrocious statistics on how often and how effectively they drive to the cup.
Yet, given the Clippers' age, which is much older than most rosters nowadays, this should have been expected by fans. Thus, it is no shock that LA is 29th in drives (37.1) and 29th in points from drives (20.4).
Then, of course, ineffectiveness in one of the most important aspects of any offense, applying pressure on the rim, leads to ratings that are not ideal for a group of experienced veterans and coaches plotting for a championship.
The LA Clippers' low offensive rating is the product of their inconsistencies
When coaches tell players to be aggressive, this term applies directly to dribbling the ball and driving into the paint in an undeniable manner. This advice is commonly given because there are two fortunate outcomes: a foul, with the chance of an and-one or two free throws, or a made field goal.
However, over one-third of the Clippers' drives are accounted for by James Harden. He understands why it is essential to maximize the advantages in the paint, as Harden has scored thousands of points from the charity stripe over the past decade.
Excluding Kawhi Leonard, the rest of the team has ultimately settled for jump shots and lived with the results. This explains why the Clippers are 22nd in the league in offensive rating at 113.0.
Moreover, a majority of the eight losses have fallen on Tyronn Lue. On his end, some mistakes are being made, but he is coaching a team with the odds stacked against him, as initiatives like winning off the bounce are forcefully removed from his game plan due to the roster's age.
Lue has to strategize to find other ways to win, and with two notable injuries, it is inevitable for the Clippers to be on the outside of the play-in tournament.
That said, the most the fans should expect regarding these issues is for Lue to encourage John Collins and Derrick Jones Jr. not to take their eyes off the goal. This will help Harden and open up the coaching scheme just enough to win regularly.