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Los Angeles Clippers: 5 Reasons Behind Early Struggles

By Gerald Bourguet

November 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) speaks with guard Chris Paul (3) during a stoppage in play against Toronto Raptors during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) speaks with guard Chris Paul (3) during a stoppage in play against Toronto Raptors during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Clippers
Nov 12, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) reacts on the court during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Defensive Woes

While it’s easy to focus on the team’s regression on offense, even when it comes to their highly vaunted starting five, the simple fact of the matter is that the Los Angeles Clippers don’t play a lick of defense. According to NBA.com, Lob City has the league’s 22nd ranked defense, surrendering 104.3 points per 100 possessions.

The Clippers were hardly considered an elite defense last season, when they ranked 15th in defensive rating and held opponents to 103.0 points per 100 possessions. But at least then Lob City had the NBA’s highest scoring offense — an offense whose production has dipped by nearly five points per 100 possessions compared to last season.

The Clippers rank 26th in rebounds, 28th in rebounding percentage and 26th in opponent second chance points. They’re not taking care of the boards and they’re not bringing the effort every night defensively. Until that changes, or until the Clippers rediscover their league-leading offense, they’ll continue to struggle to build positive momentum.

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