This was a sobering awakening for the Clippers. Perhaps the team focused too much on acquiring the biggest names in basketball. They had their dance with Rajon Rondo, John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins — sure, their careers were on a decline, but they are still household names. They dealt away Nicolas Batum, Robert Covington, KJ Martin and Marcus Morris Sr. for a superstar in Harden — the team lost six games in a row since dealing them away.
So maybe after losing in one of the most humiliating and humbling ways possible, it's time to step back and look back at the road of impulsive, star-chasing decisions that brought the Clippers where they are now: a 7-9 record and 11th in the West.
Signing superstar names has not worked out for LA yet
Maybe the Clippers should have stuck with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander instead of rushedly dealing him away for George. Maybe they should have been more patient with Jackson or Luke Kennard. Maybe they should have put more effort into re-signing Isaiah Hartenstein. Maybe they should not have given up all their wing depth to take a gamble with Harden.
At least from what last night's performance showed us, it's clear that the Clippers have made a series of irreversible decisions, some good and most bad. This season may be the last time they have a chance to prove that, through all the struggles, their decisions were shrewd.