On December 18, the Los Angeles Clippers suffered a defeat against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking their 10th loss in 11 games and dropping their season record to 6-21, one of the worst in the NBA at that time. As the Christmas period neared, the Clippers’ struggles seemed endless, with five games left to secure the final spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament and trade rumors swirling, making tanking not a viable strategy given their stake in the Thunder’s 2026 first-round pick.
However, within two weeks into the new year, the Clippers transformed into the NBA’s hottest team, embarking on a six-game winning streak—the longest active streak in the league—and improving their record to 12-21, just 1.5 games behind a play-in tournament spot. In this period, they led the league in offensive rating (127.2), defensive rating (105.6), and net rating (+21.6). Kawhi Leonard emphasized their ongoing growth and resilience, maintaining that even if they’re not favorites, they must keep fighting.
Though the season’s outlook was grim, the Clippers’ recent revival offered hope. Kawhi Leonard, who has battled injuries throughout his career, reminded everyone of his elite status during the streak by averaging 39 points, 8.5 rebounds, four assists, 2.7 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game, including a career-high 55 points against the Detroit Pistons. Leonard’s increased attempts inside the restricted area and from three-point range, paired with his high shooting efficiency, showcased his renewed health and confidence. The Clippers have outscored opponents significantly with Leonard on the floor, reinforcing his importance to their success.
Under coach Tyronn Lue, the Clippers have also changed their approach to three-point shooting during the streak, dramatically increasing their attempts while improving their shooting percentage. They’ve hit at least 14 three-pointers in each win during the streak and bolstered their three-point defense, moving from the league’s worst to one of the best in this category. Derrick Jones Jr.’s return and facing teams with low three-point attempt rates helped, but the Clippers’ ability to fight for and contest these shots has been critical.
The veterans-led roster, once the oldest in NBA history, faced challenges as key players like Bradley Beal and Chris Paul missed significant time due to injuries or other issues. This forced Lue to rely on rookies Janic Konan Niederhauser and Kobe Sanders, who brought fresh energy and athleticism to the team and contributed meaningfully during the winning streak. Their regular-season performances suggest they could remain valuable assets as the team regains health in key players like Ivica Zubac and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Fan Take: This remarkable turnaround highlights the resilience and potential of the Clippers, centered around a healthy Kawhi Leonard. For basketball fans, it signals a compelling story of comeback and adaptation, reminding us how pivotal player health and strategic adjustments are in shaping a team’s fate mid-season.
