On January 30, the NBA officially announced the latest edition of the team power rankings, and everyone focused on the Clippers' successful ascent to the top and become the strongest team at present. In recent games, the Clippers have had an excellent record, winning 13 games and losing just two, with a total margin of just seven points. Among them, they beat Celtic on the road, and it was an impressive game. As for the reasons for the success of the Clippers, the official analysis has been carried out from a data perspective, and The Athletic expert Marcus Thompson II also wrote an article on the strength of the Clippers.
The Clippers have lost two of their last 15 games, including 15 against teams with at least a 50 percent winning percentage. In those games, the Clippers have an offensive efficiency whopping 1221, which is the highest in the league. Although Leonard missed two of those games, he played well in 19 games, averaging 24He had nine points while shooting 55 percent from the field, 46 percent from three-point range, and 92 percent from the free-throw line. It can be said that he is very efficient.
In addition, the Clippers have also scored a series of vengeful victories. They managed to win against the Pelicans, Nuggets, Warriors, Thunder, Celtics and Lakers, and the only opponent who has yet to get revenge is the Timberwolves, and the Clippers' next chance to face the Timberwolves will come on February 13.
It is worth mentioning that the Clippers are still suffering from injuries, and Zubac has been recovering from injuries. However, whether paired with Zubac or Plumlee, the other four Clippers starters were able to outperform their opponents by 19 per 100 possessions when they were on the floor3 points. Next, the Clippers will face a series of road challenges, which will be the longest road trip of the season, and will test their resilience and adaptability.
Regarding the Clippers' high win rate, Marcus Thompson II mentioned Harden's key role. Harden has been outstanding this season, setting his highest true shooting percentage since the 2011-12 season, and his three-point percentage is on track to reach a career-high level. Harden's efficiency had a ripple effect on the entire Clippers, taking the offensive pressure off George and Leonard.
In addition to the outstanding performances of the core players, the other players of the Clippers are also contributing. Powell showed excellent scoring ability, Mann was a threat on the defensive end, and Westbrook played an important role off the bench. The success of the entire team gives a sense of sustainability.
Because of that, Thompson II said that if the Clippers can maintain such excellent form, then no team will want to face them in the playoffs. They are rushing to the pinnacle of basketball, and their performance has undoubtedly resonated with many fans.