In the latter stages of the NBA regular season, the competition became more intense, and the gap between the teams' records gradually narrowed. In this season, no team can dominate one side, and the strong teams also have some shortcomings. For example, the Timberwolves and Thunder, the top two in the West, are in strong form but lack playoff experience, so it is unclear whether they will be able to continue their regular season performance in the playoffs. The defending champion Nuggets have had some roster weakening in the offseason, and while they're still strong, the ceiling is clearly not as high as last season.
The Suns, another giant in the West, are also facing some troubles, they have lost consecutive games, the team's organizational ability is not clear enough, and the offense relies on the individual ability of the stars, such a tactical system will undoubtedly face greater difficulties in the championship competition. In the East, the Celtics, who have the best win percentage, are also in question about their playoff prowess, with worrying turnovers in key moments and a gap from the championship. The Bucks, who are second in the East, have not yet fully bonded with the duo of Antetokounmpo and Lillard, and Lillard's personal form has been up and down, and this kind of performance is difficult to make long-term progress in the playoffs.
The Philadelphia 76ers only have one All-Star, Embiid, who has yet to prove himself in the playoffs and often underperforms against strong teams, with few believing they can compete for a championship. However, the team that has been the most contenders and consistent this season is undoubtedly the Los Angeles Clippers. They have four superstars at their core: Westbrook, George, Harden and Leonard. Unlike the Suns, the Clippers' Big Four have better compatibility and a clearer division of labor. Both Harden and Westbrook can take on organizational tasks, and all four giants are willing to make personal sacrifices not for individual data but for team glory.
In order to join the Clippers, Westbrook is willing to accept a base salary contract, and even volunteered to play off the bench to provide more ball possession and opportunities for the other three core players. Harden has also played the role of putting in the effort and feeding his teammates since joining the Clippers. Leonard said in the interview: "We're all in this together, and anyone can score. "So, the Clippers players are very efficient despite not averaging points per game. Harden shot 45 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range; George shot 47 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range; Leonard shot 53 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range. Even Westbrook has shot 43 percent from three-point range in his last six games. The Clippers' Big Four are also active on the defensive end, and unlike other teams' core players, they focus not only on offense, but also on defense.
After the last big win over the Green Army, the Clippers have a record of 30-14, only one win behind the Timberwolves and Thunder, who are in first place in the West, and it is not difficult to rush to the first place in the West. In addition, the Clippers have beaten top teams several times recently, including the defending champion Nuggets, the Eastern Conference champion Heat, and the Western Conference dark horse Thunder. Among the Clippers' Big Four, Kaleonard Jr.'s individual ability and consistency are a key factor in determining whether the Clippers can break the ceiling. As the only player with championship experience, Leonard has been fully restored this season and has been in excellent attendance since joining the Clippers after leading the Raptors to a championship. Leonard has played in 39 games this season, averaging 34 minutes per game6 minutes, setting a new personal high. Since last December, he has played in 22 games, averaging 25 points and 65 rebounds and a very high shooting percentage. During that time, the Clippers have a 20-2 record, a whopping 91% win rate. The Clippers have shown what it takes to compete for a championship, and if they can play at full fitness, achieving their championship dreams will no longer be a distant fantasy.
The Los Angeles Clippers have a healthy roster and more of the unity and dedication they have shown. They work well with each other on the pitch and are willing to give everything for the team. This is their biggest advantage in the quest for a championship. Now the Clippers have shown their terrifying prowess. Although they have just joined the main interior team, Zubac, in the playoffs, if the Clippers can keep their full strength healthy, the dream of chasing a championship is definitely no longer a distant fantasy. The Los Angeles Clippers' spectacular performance has already dazzled the entire league. Now, they are not far from the first place in the West, and the outcome of the playoffs will be expected.