Kawhi Finds His Rhythm: Mid-Range Mastery Powers Clippers’ Domination
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A lopsided victory against the Brooklyn Nets marked the official formation of the Clippers’ “complete roster.” Despite a historic 59-point blowout, the game didn’t generate much buzz—perhaps a testament to the Clippers’ understated popularity. But that’s bound to change. The Clippers’ march northward has officially begun, and as they take down league-leading teams, their rising competitiveness will undoubtedly attract more attention. In sports, after all, it’s the results that do the talking.
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Facing a Nets team (12th in the East) missing key players like Cam Thomas, D’Angelo Russell, Nic Claxton, and Ben Simmons, the Clippers took full advantage. While the Nets likely didn’t expect a win, few could’ve predicted the massacre that unfolded.
For Kawhi Leonard, this game was more than just a regular-season outing—it was a statement. If the Jan. 5 matchup against Atlanta was a warmup, then this game against Brooklyn marked his true return to form.
Before Kawhi’s return, the Clippers’ solid foundation kept them above the play-in line. Their strength came from:
1. James Harden: The Commander
Harden has cemented himself as the Clippers’ captain, even with Kawhi back. Leading the team with his playmaking, he’s averaging 7.9 assists per game, ranking 7th in the league.
2. Ivica Zubac: The Anchor
Once an overlooked Lakers castoff, Zubac has grown into a reliable starting center. His interior presence on both ends of the floor has been key, aided by Harden’s elite passing. Zubac averages 12.7 rebounds per game, ranking 4th league-wide.
3. Norman Powell: The Silent Killer
With Kawhi sidelined and Paul George traded eastward, Powell has seized his opportunity, averaging 23.9 points per game (18th in the NBA). He’s also been lights out from deep, ranking 9th in three-pointers made per game (3.6) with the highest accuracy among the top nine shooters.
4. A Defensive Army of Wings
Players like Dunn, Mann, Coffey, and Jones have spearheaded the Clippers’ elite defense, elevating them to 4th in the league in defensive rating. Their gritty, relentless effort gives head coach Stan Van Gundy confidence in the team’s foundation.
Kawhi’s Return: A Game-Changer
Against the Nets, Kawhi looked like his old self, dropping 23 points in just 24 minutes on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting. While his earlier performances after returning (12, 8, and 6 points) showed hesitancy, today’s game told a different story. His three mid-range jumpers in the third quarter proved he’s back to full game rhythm.
Before Kawhi’s return, the Clippers relied on their defense to dominate sub-.500 teams but struggled to score consistently against top-tier opponents. A fully healthy Kawhi changes that equation. His ability to guard elite players and create tough shots in crunch time eases the load on Harden while opening up more opportunities for shooters like Powell.
The Clippers’ combination of suffocating defense and now, a rejuvenated offense, is a recipe for success. This win against Brooklyn might not have made waves, but as they climb the standings, expect the league to take notice.
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