The Clippers Are Ready?

The LA Clippers have been the most exciting team this postseason as Kawhi Leonard continues to show the world why he should never be forgotten. A player who has been dealing with injury since 2018 has been able to hoop at a high level, which is something the NBA world has never seen. The 33-year-old veteran is putting up an all-time performance against the best player in the world, Nikola Jokic. James Harden has also been able to play at a high level, showing that his game is timeless. Still being elite at creating his shot and creating opportunities for others. Norman Powell has embraced being the third scoring option, playing off of his two main stars. LA has gotten the best out of their three-star players and guys like Zubac and Dunn, and the best of the role players are stepping up.

Ivica Zubac has been a top-three center in the league this season. His level of play has increased with the arrival of James Harden. He has incredible chemistry with off-the-pick-and-roll. Zubac can also create his shot in the post, and he can finish strong at the basket. Ivica has been able to be a great rim protector and rebounder. Though Nikola Jokic has been a tough matchup for the big man, he has still been able to hold his own, which is hard to do as Jokic is a magician on the court. Ivica Zubac has shown his importance along with Kris Dunn.

Kris Dunn, in his first few years in the NBA, did not look like a basketball player as he struggled to find himself on the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves and Chicago Bulls teams. Last season on a tanking Utah Jazz team, Kris was able to shine as a basketball player as he figured out how to hit his three-point shots. His defense is one of the most consistent parts of Dunn’s game. With his size and stature, he can guard the perimeter players in the 1-3 position. Ty Lue rewarded Kris’s effort by giving him the starting position, where he has been able to take on the defensive assignment while playing off of the four other players. Kris is a key to this season along with the veteran Nicolas Batum.

Nicolas Batum does not get enough credit for the way he has been able to have a long career as a role player. Coming into year 17, it is crazy to see Batum still be able to be an effective role player, especially after his Hornets run, where it seemed like he was done. Nicolas, since coming to LA, has been perfect, as he can open the floor with his shooting and passing. He has been a sniper on the court, shooting 43 percent behind the three-point arc. Nicolas Batum has been one of the key rotational players.

The Los Angeles Clippers has many role players who played a major role in their success this season. Derrick Jones Jr. being their big pickup has been great at bringing energy off the bench, being able to defend, being a high flyer, and shooting threes, as he shot 35 behind the arc. Ben Simmons, despite not being the same after Philly, is still able to play some defense and playmake off the bench. Bogdan Bogdanović, the veteran, brings the ball handling and scoring off the bench. The Clippers have many weapons who can be the key for future success.

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