Against every opponent the LA Clippers have faced, it feels like the rim has been enlarged a bit, as a majority of their shots from beyond the arc fall right through the net, whether they bounce in, swish, or bank off the glass. But what the Clippers are not doing is running their opponents off the line or forcing them to put the ball on the floor, which has led to LA allowing a 39.4 three-point percentage, tied for the bottom three in the NBA.
Furthermore, the point of practice is for Tyronn Lue to help prepare his squad to win; thus, it should begin with defensive closeouts until this statistic improves. There can simply be no expectation to compete at a high level if all of their opponents are shooting on the verge of 40% from beyond the arc.
Lue must also be more effective with his instruction, as players should know who to rotate to on defense if the team is playing a zone. This can lead to easy looks if there is miscommunication from the coaching staff.
The LA Clippers went from the top five best to the top five worst in a short period of time
The fact that the LA Clippers were actually one of the best defenses from three last season is extremely difficult to comprehend. They quite literally ended the 2024-25 season at fifth best, and a few months later, the next regular season kicked off, and they are not far from the Brooklyn Nets for worst at 42.0.
Thus, fans and everyone from afar are curious about how the Clippers can get back to the top.
Players' effort should be the main point of emphasis. If this occurs, then talking on defense will automatically be there. They go hand in hand, and because the Clippers lack in one area, both end up suffering.
Moreover, Lue should avoid defending in a zone. The Clippers are a slower team, and the best way to take down a two-three set is with quick passes that force them to move and react at a level they cannot.
Additionally, Kris Dunn's defensive tasks should be increased. He is the team's best defender, yet he has played only 23.9 minutes across seven games. This is unacceptable, as LA is in need of elite perimeter coverage.
That said, as soon as the Clippers fix their opponent's three-point percentage allowed, the rest of their issues will be much easier to solve.