Clippers’ Struggles Continue in Desperate Search for Solutions
The Los Angeles Clippers are in deep trouble, having dropped their fourth consecutive game on Monday, bringing their season record to a dismal 6-20. Facing off against the Memphis Grizzlies—a matchup many viewed as their best chance to secure a win in the coming weeks—the Clippers instead delivered a lackluster performance, particularly in the second half, where they completely unraveled.
Defensive Woes on Full Display
The Clippers allowed the Grizzlies to post an astonishing offensive rating of 137.5, a stark reminder of their ongoing defensive struggles. This alarming trend has been a hallmark of their season: the team can manage a competitive first half, only to fall apart after the break, often due to their inability to defend effectively.
Ty Lue’s Frustration Grows
Head coach Ty Lue is grappling with the daunting task of finding a remedy for this downward spiral, but his efforts have yet to yield results. The decision to keep Brook Lopez on the bench as a DNP-Coach’s Decision raised eyebrows, while John Collins found himself marginalized, playing only ten minutes in the second half. This left the Clippers with no viable backup center and an undersized lineup that struggled to compete.
In a particularly puzzling move, Lue closed out the third quarter with a lineup featuring James Harden, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Jordan Miller, Kobe Sanders, and Kobe Brown. This group, lacking significant height with Sanders as the tallest at 6’8″, was predictably overwhelmed, allowing the Grizzlies to capitalize and outscore the Clippers 18 to 8 in just four minutes.
A Desperate Attempt to Find Answers
As the final quarter began, Lue shifted gears, bringing in Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac in a bid to regain control. However, the momentum remained firmly with the Grizzlies, as Cam Spencer continued his scoring spree, draining four three-pointers in quick succession to seal the game.
With the Clippers spiraling further into despair, Lue appears to be at a loss. His attempts to rotate players and shuffle lineups—including scapegoating Collins—may not be addressing the root of the problem.
Core Issues Run Deep
The reality is that the challenges facing the Clippers extend beyond the fringes of their roster. The trio of Harden, Leonard, and Zubac has struggled to find synergy, getting outscored by 4.1 points per 100 possessions when on the floor together, according to Cleaning the Glass. Their defensive rating of 121.6 ranks among the lowest in the league, underscoring a more fundamental issue within the team’s core.
As the trade deadline looms, it’s imperative for the Clippers to confront this reality. Until they address the systemic challenges at the heart of their struggles, the nightmare skid may only deepen.
