Head Coach: Doc Rivers (7th Season)
Record: 44-20 (2nd in Western Conference)
All-Stars: 1 (Kawhi Leonard – 4th)
Scoring Leaders: Kawhi Leonard (26.9), Paul George (21.0), Lou Williams (18.7)
Rebounding Leaders: Leonard (7.3), Ivica Zubac (7.2), Montrezl Harrell (7.1)
Assists Leaders: Williams (5.7), Leonard (5.0), Reggie Jackson (4.4)
Offense: 116.2 Points Scored/Game (T-4th)
Defense: 109.7 Points Allowed/Game (13th)
Key Wins: Lakers x2 (112-102, Oct. 22; 111-106, Dec. 25), Rockets x2 (122-119, Nov. 22; 120-105, Mar. 5), Raptors x2 (98-88, Nov. 11; 112-92, Dec. 11), Heat x2 (122-117, Jan. 24; 128-111, Feb. 5), Nuggets (132-103, Feb. 28), Thunder x2 (90-88, Nov. 18; 109-94, Mar. 3), 76ers (136-130, Mar. 1)
Season Summary: Once the season resumes, the Clippers are in line to make a deep playoff run after the most important offseason in franchise history. Led by offseason additions Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Clippers have the verteran experience and leadership to help propel a deep and talented roster. Leonard has picked up where he left off from his championship run with the Raptors last season, leading the team in scoring (26.9 PTS) and rebounds (7.3). George has battled injuries throughout the season, but has been his usually efficient self when healthy. Alongside Leonard and George, reigning Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams (18.7 PTS) provides another great scoring punch, while Montrezl Harrell provides important minutes in the post.
The Clippers have the potent offense to make a deep playoff run. LA ranks in the top five in the NBA in scoring and takes more free throws than any other team. They also average 11.0 offensive rebounds per game, fourth-most in the league. Seen by many as a potential NBA Finals team, the Clippers are one of the most thrilling teams to watch as the season resumes.
Memorable Moment: The Clippers topped the Lakers in the season-opener, 112-102, but neither team was used to playing with each other at that point. On Christmas Day, the crosstown rivals met once again, with Leonard and George outdueling LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Leonard poured in a game-high 35 points, while George & Harrell combined to score an additional 35 points to win the Clippers their second matchup against the Lakers.
Player To Watch: Kawhi Leonard – The nine-year NBA veteran is putting together another solid season atop one of the league’s best teams. Widely touted as one of the best players in the NBA, Leonard picked up this season where he left off with the Raptors a season ago and is averaging 26.9 PTS, 7.3 REB, and 5 AST. He scored a season-high 43 PTS in a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, and posted his first career triple-double against Miami in January. His veteran leadership and experience will help propel the Clippers to a deep playoff run, as he has the ability to take over games down the stretch. LA is 17-3 in the 20 games when Leonard scores 30+ points, and continues to prove that he is one of the top players in the NBA.
