Clippers Struggle Deepens Amid Leonard and Beal Absences
The Los Angeles Clippers faced their fifth consecutive loss on Sunday, succumbing to the Atlanta Hawks, who were without star guard Trae Young, in a tight 105-102 contest at home. With their record now standing at 3-7 after ten games, the Clippers find themselves in a precarious position as they chase what once seemed a realistic goal of another 50-win season. In a fiercely competitive Western Conference, this early deficit presents a significant challenge for LA to overcome.
Ty Lue’s Post-Game Reflections
In the aftermath of the defeat, head coach Ty Lue’s comments drew attention for their lack of accountability. Rather than addressing the pressing need for improvement, Lue emphasized the team’s effort, stating they “competed well” and suggesting that the narrative could change once they “get some of [their] guys back.” This sentiment, shared by Clippers reporter Joey Linn, reflects a concerning trend of deflecting responsibility instead of confronting the underlying issues.
Offensive Struggles Plague the Clippers
While Lue rightly acknowledged the effort his team displayed, the reality remains that the Clippers’ struggles are rooted in deeper issues. The roster appears sluggish and predictable, lacking offensive dynamism beyond James Harden. Transition defense has been a glaring weakness, exposing the team on both ends of the floor, making it all the more critical to bolster their offensive strategy.
With Kawhi Leonard sidelined and Bradley Beal missing the recent matchup, Harden has been left to shoulder an increasing load. However, the absences of both stars shouldn’t come as a shock; it’s precisely why the Clippers invested in constructing one of the league’s most robust rosters. Yet, Lue’s reluctance to fully utilize this depth is puzzling. Notably, Chris Paul and Bogdan Bogdanovic have found themselves as healthy scratches in recent outings—decisions that raise eyebrows, especially with Leonard unavailable.
Offensive Ratings Tell a Troubling Story
Against the Hawks, the Clippers managed an offensive rating of just 110.9, marking a continued slide as they have failed to achieve an above-average offensive rating in their last four games. Lue’s rotation choices further complicate matters; while he has sidelined playmakers like Paul and Bogdanovic, he has also placed Harden in a challenging position by surrounding him with limited shooting options. The decision to start and close games with Kris Dunn, Ivica Zubac, and Derrick Jones Jr. creates a congested environment, limiting Harden’s ability to operate effectively.
To remedy the stagnant offense, Lue must diversify the game plan beyond the repetitive “give Harden the ball and let him run pick-and-roll” approach. At 36 years old, Harden’s heavy minutes—39 in four of the last five games—are unsustainable. Instead of relying on the hopeful return of Leonard and Beal, Lue needs to explore solutions within the current roster to spark the offensive creativity that has been sorely lacking.
The Clippers stand at a crossroads, and the time for self-reflection and strategic adjustments is now. The season’s trajectory is at stake, and Lue’s next moves will be crucial in determining whether the team can dig itself out of this early-season hole.
