After once being a comfortable 6th seed, the Los Angeles Clippers are playing catch up. Since the All-Stars break, several woes have broken through the roster. They have won only four of their last ten. But tonight’s win was big. With the playoffs rapidly approaching, every win goes towards building confidence. Currently the eighth seed and starving for momentum, the LA side needs it all.
Tonight it was the Jalen Brunson-less New York Knicks the Clippers took down. The battle itself hung in the balance until the Clippers took control in the second half. 10 times the leads shifted between the two teams. But without the poise Brunson brings, the Clippers could vanquish the Knicks led by James Harden’s 27 points and 7 assists.
This was the first time they won back-to-back games since February. And Kawhi Leonard implored his teammates to stay true to the process. From here on out, every result could potentially decide their playoff fate. And as that time approaches, the Klaw wants his team to “lock in”.
“I mean all these games are important for us. We’re telling the guys in a sense like this is going to make or break us because we play a lot of competitive teams… If we win these games it’ll get us, I think it’ll help us in the playoffs you know. If we don’t, most likely be out. So it’s just time to lock into each and every game and see what we could do,” said Leonard after the win against the Knicks.
Jan 4, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The next five games are going to be crucial for the Clippers. They are currently the eighth seed. So if they do go through the Play-In, that gives the Clippers a second chance to make the postseason in case they lose. However, that could change if results don’t go their way. Their next game is against the Sacramento Kings.
Since bringing in Zach Lavine, the high-powered offense has transformed the Kings as a team. And they are also just 1.5 games behind the Clippers. So virtually, this could be a vital result for either side. Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers are hoping it goes in their favor.
A veteran prepares for a greater role
The Clippers have been faced with some injury troubles this season. But some players have fallen through in the rotations itself. Notably, Nicolas Batum is averaging a career-low in minutes per game. At 36 years old and coming off an intense Olympic schedule, the Clippers have used him wisely.
But if you ask the French international, he is ready to play as many minutes as possible. Tonight, it was a season-high 34 minutes and his contributions were integral. Batum nailed five treys in his 17-point performance. His efficiency and shot-making played a massive role in the win.
It also did his confidence a world of good.
“I mean that was the talk we had with Ty like during the offseason after the Olympics and during training camp. I mean some games we play 25, some games play 5 minutes, some games I won’t play… But I knew like maybe like down on the road like the last 20 games I might mean more like a game tonight going they have some injury so I need to be ready to step up. I only missed two games this year because he sent me down that was no injury,” Batum admitted.
It’s going to be an adaptation process to get the veteran forward on heavy minutes. But also equally necessary. Not only is he a seasoned playoff performer, but Batum has been in the big moments. Before the season he played in the Olympic gold medal game and is a calm customer in high-pressure moments.
Batum’s involvement could provide the Clippers with an additional scoring outlet as Leonard still continues to go into full motor. And now that every game holds great significance, Batum could be a valuable contributor.
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