Today, the Clippers lost 115-134 to the Thunder, ending a nine-game winning streak. In this game, Leonard was out due to injury, and as a result, the Clippers were constipated on offense and pulled their hips defensively.
Without Leonard, the Clippers are really a bit out of shape.
The first point is the loss of an efficient offensive strength. During the nine-game winning streak, the small card can cut 294 points, 6 rebounds, 46 assists 12 steals and shooting 614%, and the three-point shooting percentage is as high as 506%。Xiaoka's scoring ability is efficient, can effectively share the offensive pressure of Harden and George, coupled with the tough mid-range shooting ability at critical moments, Xiaoka is the absolute offensive core of the Clippers. Without a small card, the opponent can unscrupulously contain Harden, and the Clippers' offensive system cannot function effectively.
The second point is the paralysis of the defensive system. The defensive ability of the small card is obvious to all, whether it is single defense, assistance defense and leading defense, it will make the opponent very uncomfortable. With the lack of small cards, the Clippers' original defensive system will be missing an important link, and the Clippers have no other player who can fill this position. Therefore, Xiaoka is not only the offensive core of the Clippers, but also an indispensable member of the Clippers' defensive system.
The third point is the lack of scoring ability at critical times. Everyone knows that although Harden is the commander of the team and has excellent offensive organization, he is not good at playing key shots. And Leonard is an excellent killer when it comes to crunch. There is no one to replace him in this position.
Leonard's role is not only reflected in the statistics, but also in the role of the leader on the field and the stability of the army. The Clippers don't have a small card, it's like saying, "Without Curry, the Warriors don't have an offensive system." Without Jordan, there would be no Bulls dynasty. ”
For the Clippers, losing one game is not necessarily a bad thing, unload the baggage and continue to set sail. Through this game, it can be seen that the small card is really extremely important to this Clippers. As long as these core players stay healthy, the Clippers will be unstoppable this season.