The Los Angeles Clippers have won four games in a row. After a rough start to the season, they are trying to turn things around and become the team that everyone thought they would be when the year began. Now, the Clippers sit 13th in the Western Conference standings.
LA has no incentive to tank, despite the fact that they are so low in the standings, because the Oklahoma City Thunder have their first-round pick. As the Clippers continue to try to dig themselves out of the hole they put themselves in, James Harden continues to play well.
Even after Kawhi Leonard’s 55-point game, Harden gave massive credit for the reason the win streak has happened to another veteran player who comes off the bench, Brook Lopez.
GettyLos Angeles Clippers center Brook Lopez celebrates. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
James Harden Credits Brook Lopez for Clippers Win Streak
Harden gave credit to Lopez for helping the Clippers off the bench over the course of the last four games.
“Honestly, credit to Brook. What he brings to the table defensively. His communication, him contesting shots at the rim, shot-making ability, spacing. A combination of those things has helped us overall as a team offensively.”
Harden continued to give Lopez praise, giving him credit for his professionalism.
“To be able to be an NBA champ and a starter, to come here and have the expectation to play big minutes — not play big minutes, not play, now you’re starting. He prepares himself. Comes in every day and works hard. He’s a starting big on this team. As a result of that, it’s showing.”
Lopez was out of the rotation completely, and now he has to start with the injury to Ivica Zubac. His ability to help the team with his spacing offensively has really helped the Clippers. Defensively, he can still block shots, even if he’s moving slower than he used to.
GettyLos Angeles Clippers guard James Harden shoots the ball. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
The Clippers Might Make a Desperation Trade
With the fact that the Clippers don’t have a first-round pick in this draft, they might try to make a desperation trade in order to make the playoffs. Adding another veteran player is not out of the question, as this team continues to fight to climb the standings.
Right now, the Clippers have the fifth-worst defense in the league. Improving that metric will be important if they are going to have any shot of climbing back into the play-in. Lopez does enough at the rim to deter players from being able to finish at will.
More perimeter defensive help is needed, especially with the health of Leonard always in question. His injury history makes it hard to trust that he will be available for large stretches this season. Still, the Clippers are fighting to bring themselves back into the playoff conversation.
LA is just two and a half games out of the 10th spot, which is the final play-in position. They still have plenty of time to figure things out.
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