Can the Clippers Turn their Season Around?

The Los Angeles Clippers have finally gained some momentum. They are currently on a four-game winning streak, their longest of the season. The primary reason for this success is straightforward: Kawhi Leonard has returned to scoring at a superstar level once more. This streak reached its pinnacle on Sunday night when the Clippers defeated the Detroit Pistons 112–99 in front of their home crowd. Leonard recorded a career-high 55 points, and it felt as if the arena reverberated with energy every time he scored.

The Oklahoma City Thunder possess the Clippers’ first-round pick this year, a lingering consequence from the Paul George trade in 2019. Every time the Clippers experience a loss, that pick improves in value for the Thunder. With Oklahoma City already positioned as the reigning champions, gifting them a high draft pick would undoubtedly feel like a disheartening scenario.

What’s Behind the Streak?

Kawhi Leonard’s Scoring Surge

During this remarkable four-game stretch, Leonard has averaged roughly 39 points per game. In his latest five games, he recorded scores of 22, 32, 41, 28, and ultimately, 55 points. That last game against Detroit was particularly noteworthy. Against the Eastern Conference's leading team, Leonard shot an impressive 17-for-26 from the field and sank 16 out of 17 attempts at the free-throw line. When Leonard is adeptly finishing plays at the rim, accurately hitting jump shots, and consistently drawing fouls, opponents struggle to find effective defensive strategies.

Big Wins Are Building Belief

The winning streak commenced with a significant victory over the Lakers. The Clippers then convincingly defeated the Rockets 128–108, secured a solid road win in Portland, and capped off the run with the triumph against the Pistons. These wins were not the result of mere luck. In multiple games, the Clippers established early double-digit leads and maintained control, which stands in stark contrast to earlier in the season when late-game errors frequently led to losses.

Why the Clippers Fell Behind

A Rough Start and Missing Time

Despite this winning streak, the Clippers still have a record below .500 at 10–21 following their victory over the Pistons. At the beginning of the season, Leonard missed time due to injuries, and the team struggled to find a consistent rhythm. Additionally, the loss of former All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal for the season removed a crucial scoring option and compelled other players to assume larger roles than initially anticipated. When star players are not available, forming chemistry becomes challenging, and accumulating wins is even more difficult.

Life Without Their Big Man

The Clippers have also been without their starting center, Ivica Zubac, for several games. In his absence, the team has relied even more heavily on Leonard and James Harden to generate offense. Harden contributed significantly in the win against the Pistons with 28 points, and his passing ability helps keep the offensive flow intact. Fortunately, their backup center, Brook Lopez, is a seasoned veteran capable of protecting the rim and providing spacing on the floor. He ranks among the best three-point shooting centers in the league, as demonstrated by his hitting nine three-pointers in the victory over Portland.

What Needs to Happen Next?

Stars Have to Stay Available

On paper, the Clippers' roster appears to be highly talented. Leonard has the ability to dominate games, while Harden remains a keen playmaker. They also possess depth with big men such as Zubac, Lopez, and John Collins, along with scoring support from players like Bogdan Bogdanović. If they can maintain their health and play together consistently, the Clippers have the potential to reenter the playoff conversation.

The Risks Are Real

The Clippers' roster contains a number of veteran players, and Leonard's health remains the most pressing concern. Additionally, there is an ongoing league investigation that looms over him, which could become a potential distraction. However, if Leonard is able to stay on the court and the team continues to play with this newfound confidence, they can still ascend the standings and avoid inadvertently empowering the champions in Oklahoma City.