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Since their triumphant return from a highly successful road trip in early February, the LA Clippers have struggled to maintain their momentum. In a recent game at the Crypto.com Arena, they faced the Atlanta Hawks, who were missing their star player Trae Young due to injury. Despite this, the Clippers found themselves trailing by as much as 29 points, ultimately losing the game 110-93.
The Clippers, with a record of 42-25, have faced challenges recently, losing four of their last five games. This downturn follows a remarkable 6-1 record during their seven-game Grammy road trip, which left them at 34-15 on February 5th. Kawhi Leonard, the team’s franchise star, believes the issue lies in the team’s mindset, emphasizing the need for action over words.
Paul George echoed Leonard’s sentiments, expressing concern over the team’s inconsistency and lack of a clear identity. Despite a strong performance in December and January, where the Clippers went 26-5, recent injuries have taken a toll. The team lost Russell Westbrook to a broken left hand and saw James Harden return from a two-game absence only to struggle with a strained left shoulder.
Injuries have not been the only issue. Norman Powell missed the recent game against Atlanta due to a left lower leg contusion, further highlighting the team’s challenges. The Clippers’ lack of energy and inspiration was evident in their recent performance, prompting Leonard to stress the importance of defining the team’s aspirations and working towards them.
Clippers coach Ty Lue has identified key areas for improvement, including ball handling, transition defense, offensive rebounding, and spacing. Despite the team’s talent, Lue believes a collective effort is necessary for success. He remains optimistic, drawing on his experience to guide the team towards achieving their goals.