Los Angeles Clippers: 5 keys to making the playoffs in 2017-18

5. Defensive power pair

The Los Angeles Clippers finished last season as an above-average defense despite extended absences from two key players in Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. The main player behind that solid defense, DeAndre Jordan, will still be around in 2017-18. However, he has a new partner at the defensive point of attack.

Luckily for Clippers fans, that new partner is just as good as Chris Paul at defending opposing point guards. Newcomer Patrick Beverley was CP3’s backcourt mate on last year’s All-Defense First Team. Beverley is a pest on the defensive end and took the tougher assignment throughout his time alongside James Harden, despite his 6’1″ frame.

In the modern NBA, and especially in a Western Conference filled with star point guards, the two most important defensive positions are point guard and center. The Clippers have the center spot locked down on defense with DeAndre Jordan. With Patrick Beverley in the fold, the point guard position should be just as set on the defensive end.