Clippers Struggle in the Clutch Yet Again
The Los Angeles Clippers find themselves in a familiar yet troubling position this season. With the specter of the Chris Paul saga looming, the ongoing Kawhi Leonard drama, and an offseason acquisition that has failed to pay dividends, the team’s on-court problems have largely flown under the radar. While their defensive deficiencies have been well-documented, a more insidious issue reared its head once again during their recent matchup against the Houston Rockets.
A Tight Game Slips Away
The Clippers were deadlocked with the Rockets, with less than five minutes remaining on the clock. In a critical moment that could have defined their season, they faltered. A series of costly blunders down the stretch ultimately sealed their fate, marking yet another close loss and solidifying their status as the NBA’s worst clutch team.
The league defines “clutch” situations as those where the score is within five points during the final five minutes of the game. According to this criterion, the Clippers have participated in 12 clutch games this season, yet they have managed to secure victory in only two of those. This dismal performance has resulted in the worst winning percentage in clutch scenarios across the league.
Missed Opportunities Haunt the Clippers
Had the Clippers been able to win even half of these tight contests, they would find themselves at a more respectable 10-15 record—potentially in contention for a play-in spot. Given that they are the oldest and most experienced team in the NBA, expectations for their performance in high-stakes moments are understandably high. With seasoned players like James Harden and Kawhi Leonard on the roster, one would anticipate a level of composure and decision-making that could help them seal close games.
However, the final moments of the contest against the Rockets revealed a team that was unable to execute under pressure. In a critical moment, Nicolas Batum found himself alone on an inbound play, highlighting the lack of support and communication that has plagued the Clippers in crunch time.
The implications of these performances extend beyond just the standings; they raise questions about the team’s mental fortitude and ability to capitalize on its talent in pivotal moments. As the season progresses, the Clippers must confront their glaring issues head-on if they hope to turn their fortunes around.
