After a hot start to the 2016-17 NBA season, we explore whether we should actually perceive the LA Clippers as legitimate title favorites
The LA Clippers have been a championship contending team for over the past five seasons.
However, the Clippers do the exact same thing every year. They win 50, or so, games in the regular season and then lose prematurely in the playoffs. Time has been ticking on the Clippers for a while now and this season could be the make or break season for LA.
With Chris Paul and Blake Griffin set to become free agents after this season, another playoff failure could have a huge impact on their decisions to stay or leave. Upper management could decide to disband this group with another playoff shortcoming.
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We all know this team has the talent to win the championship but the question that reminds on everyone’s mind is when will the Clippers finally win the title – or even get close enough to compete for one?
The LA Clippers have gotten off to a fast start, opening 8-1. LA is playing with great chemistry on both ends of the floor right now. Not only does the Clippers have the No. 1 ranked defense in the NBA right now, but they also have the best net rating in the NBA (27.2).
Look at the Clippers’ 118-100 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers a few nights ago. LA led by as much as 48 points, which makes this the 4th straight game that the Clippers has led by 18 points at the half. We can’t say the Clippers are doing this against weak competition, either. Portland is one stronger teams in the western conference now.
The LA Clippers deserve more attention than they have received in the offseason and up to this time into the new season. We all talk about the super team of Golden State and how explosive offensively they are or the great team of the San Antonio Spurs lead by Kawhi Leonard, or even the loaded Cleveland Cavaliers in the east. Yet, the team we don’t talk about much is the Clippers.
LA has played just as well if not better than the Warriors, Spurs, and Cavs or any other elite team you want to mention so far this season. The reality is we know about the Clippers playoff struggles.
We know when it comes to the playoffs they either fail to stay healthy or they find a way to choke. However, not mentioning the Clippers along with the teams that have a chance to dethrone the Cleveland Cavaliers for the championship is extremely disrespectful.
You could even make a case that the Clippers might be the best overall team in the Western Conference because of the way they are playing on both sides of the ball right now – at an extraordinarily high level.
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We all know it’s still early in the season but don’t count the LA Clippers out. They deserve more respect not only by their play so far this season but also by the talent they have on their roster.
LA has a legit shot at the competing for the NBA Championship this year, perhaps as much of a chance as the other power teams in the league.