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NBA: A Look At The 5 Biggest Surprises So Far In 2016-17

By James D. Tillman III

June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
June 19, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) in the second half in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 16, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Blake Griffin (32) walk back to the bench for a time out in the second half of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Grizzlies won 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Blake Griffin (32) walk back to the bench for a time out in the second half of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center. Grizzlies won 111-107. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Los Angeles Clippers

Despite being labeled as the group that hasn’t been able to get over the hump the past few seasons, the Clippers have coming racing out of the gate in 2016-17.

They currently own the best record in the league at 10-2. They are the fifth-highest scoring team in the Association at 108.7 points per contest and they are ranked fourth in offense, averaging 112.1 points per 100 possessions.

Those numbers should come as no surprise as the Clippers have several players who can put the ball in the basket. What is a surprise, though, is how well they are playing from a defensive standpoint.

They are tied for first (with the Miami Heat) in opponent field-goal percentage, giving up a meager 41.5 percent. Their 93.8 points allowed per contest is the second-best mark in the NBA.

To hammer this point home even further, it is also worth mentioning that the Clippers are ranked first in defensive efficiency, allowing just 96.7 points per 100 possessions, per Basketball-Reference.com.

While it may too early in the season to label this group as a conference powerhouse, they are certainly a team that no one should be overlooking right now.