Los Angeles Clippers: 2014-15 Season Preview

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May 9, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) blocks a shot by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Three Key Storylines (Cont.)

2. Will the defense take the next step in year two under Doc Rivers?

The Clippers were only a middling defense a year ago, finishing in the middle of the league defensively, allowing 101.0 points per game.

However, given their pace of play, they were ninth in the league in defensive rating, allowing 104.8 points per 100 possessions.

The new additions—Spencer Hawes and Jordan Farmar—are not renowned for the defense, even if they should make the already-potent Clipper offense that much better.

L.A. does have one of the best rim defenders in the league in DeAndre Jordan, who made a leap forward in his first year under Rivers’ tutelage. His fouls were down to just 3.3 per 36 minutes, allowing Jordan to stay on the floor for a career-best 35 minutes per game in 2013-14.

That allows Chris Paul the freedom to gamble for steals on the perimeter. The problem is that none of the other wing defenders are particularly adept at creating turnovers—Darren Collison was second on the club in steals last season, but he’ll be swiping the ball for Sacramento in 2014-15.

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