The Los Angeles Clippers may have been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, but it was far from a failure. At the start of the season in October, many doubted the Clippers, thinking they wouldn’t even make the playoffs. However, the team proved everyone wrong by building one of the best defenses in the league, with players like Norman Powell stepping up and James Harden having a resurgence at 35.
One key player for the Clippers this season was center Ivica Zubac, whose strong performance both offensively and defensively helped the team win games they weren’t expected to. Additionally, Kawhi Leonard showed why he is considered one of the best players in the league, with his precision and shot-creating abilities on full display.
Looking ahead to the offseason, the Clippers will aim to build on their successful season. Despite their early exit from the playoffs, they finished with a 50-32 record and pushed the Nuggets to seven games in the first round.
Key Points:
- Record: 50-32, fifth in the Western Conference. Lost to the Denver Nuggets in seven games in the first round.
- Highlight of the season: Comeback win against the San Antonio Spurs after being down 40-14 in the first quarter.
- Players signed for next season include Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac.
- Key free agents: James Harden (Player Option), Nicolas Batum (Player Option), Amir Coffey (UFA), Ben Simmons (UFA).
- Projected salary: $124,641,415 (salary cap projected to be $154.6 million)
- Draft picks: Nos. 30 & 51
- Needs and goals: Looking to add a guard who can score off the dribble and provide defensive intensity.