LA Clippers fans - sound the alarm. This is getting concerning. Last night, your team lost to the Indiana Pacers by a final score of 133-116.
Basketball is a game of rhythm. Often, the NBA champions are the best team to find their stride as they head into the playoffs. Well, the postseason is around the corner - and the Clippers are moving at a snail's pace.
LA Clippers have no answer for Pacers
Last night, the Pacers were ruthlessly efficient. They shot a blistering 50/86 (58.1%) from the field, and they were 17/28 (60.7%) from long range.
Let's not mince words. You will never beat a team when they shoot the ball that well. The Clippers looked lost on the defensive end last night. The Pacers posed a problem, and the Clippers couldn't come up with a solution.
Sure, the Pacers' 120.2 Offensive Rating (Ortg) is second only to the Boston Celtics leaguewide. That's not the point. The Clippers will face tougher competition than the 41-32 Pacers in the first round of this year's playoffs. The Pacers have occasionally struggled since moving Buddy Hield at this year's trade deadline.
Last night, they enjoyed a leisurely walk in the park.
LA Clippers need answers on defense
The Clippers' offense was fine last night - they scored 116 points. Everyone was efficient. Kawhi Leonard had 26 points on 11/18 shooting from the field. Paul George finished with the same total on 12/18 shooting.
They simply could not get stops. Head coach Tyrone Lue opted to keep Daniel Theis out of this one. The Pacers feasted on the Clippers' lack of size on the interior. When the Clippers tried to adjust, the Pacers let the threes fire.
No matter what the Clippers tried, the Pacers had a counter.
Pacers spoil LA Clippers' star's return
If LA Clippers fans have any reason to be optimistic, Russell Westbrook provided it. He made his return last night and picked up exactly where he left off.
Westbrook played with his characteristic energy and effort. He finished this one with 14 points and 7 assists in just 18 minutes.
This could be significant for the Clippers. When a player is coming back from an injury, there's always a concern that he won't be the same. Tyrone Lue now knows he can continue to rely on Westbrook.
Hopefully, that results in some wins - and soon.