September prediction – The Clippers finally look like the Clippers again
The LA Clippers weren’t exactly impressive in their first-round series against the Mavericks. You have to credit Dallas for part of that, but if the Clippers plan on winning the Finals, they have to be much, much better.
I really don’t know why we keep thinking the Clippers will flip a switch and be better. Their series against Dallas was really what they’ve been all year – inconsistent. On paper, they should be great and they show flashes of that ceiling for a game or two, but then come out flat or blow a big lead in the next game.
I’m sympathetic toward Paul George’s admitted mental health struggles – those are very real issues. But at this point in his playoff career, you just can’t count on consistent production from him. This has been who he is for nearly his entire career and especially the last few seasons. Add that to Montrezl Harrell struggling to get going in the bubble and Patrick Beverely’s nagging calf injury and there may be more questions than answers for the Clippers.
And yet, they are way too talented to not figure this out. I said the Lakers were the team to beat in the West and I believe it, but I think the Clippers cruise through the second round and give the Lakers everything they can handle. Maybe it’s blind faith in Kawhi Leonard or a personal desire to watch Steve Balmer continue celebrating like the inflatable car dealership man, but I can’t be convinced that the Clippers won’t find whatever that next gear is for them.