Once the LA Clippers blow a double-digit lead, the game is basically over for head coach Tyronn Lue. His game plan is not built for the clutch, leaving superstars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden to go with the flow and spontaneously create.
Furthermore, one would expect the Clippers to take over crunch-time basketball with Leonard and Harden on the court. These are two of the few premiere scorers the game has ever seen, and opponents would typically not know who to focus on.
Conversely, Harden and Leonard have been severely underwhelming in the final minutes. More often than not, they attempt low-quality shots in isolation and force unreceivable passes that aid opponents in opportunity.
Part of the problem is Lue's failure to switch his scheme late in the season. He has repeatedly counted on Leonard and Harden rather than looking to instant offense from Ivica Zubac. This is now one of the Clippers’ biggest problems, as they have dropped to the seventh seed in the play-in tournament.
However, Leonard and Harden are ultimately to blame because they are being paid a one-of-a-kind salary to direct wins. They are failing their responsibilities, and the Clippers are paying dues with more losses.
Efficiencies show Kawhi Leonard and James Harden to struggle in the clutch
Although the LA Clippers have two phenomenal players, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, they must find another source of scoring in crunch time. Leonard and Harden's poor decision-making is only hurting LA with unnecessary losses and lower ratings.
Moreover, Harden has shot 30.4% from the field and 15.4% from three in 99.8 clutch minutes while committing 17 assists and 19 turnovers. He is also shooting 76.3% from the line on 38 attempts.
Similarly, Leonard, in 16.9 clutch minutes, has shot 22.2% from the floor, two of nine from the field, with a +/- of -11. This has resulted in an individual offensive rating of 70.6.
Given how highly utilized Leonard and Harden are at the end of games, the Clippers have the 21st-best clutch offensive rating of 104.6. This statistic is one of the NBA’s worst among fellow championship contenders.
The solution of having the ball in Ivica Zubac's hands makes much more sense, as he has shot 61.9% on 21 attempts in 80.6 minutes.
That said, the switch to Zubac in the closing moments, or even Norman Powell when he returns, will make a massive difference in the playoffs. Harden and Leonard are good, but when there is pressure, they fold emphatically.