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LA Clippers: Supporting cast will be deciding factor for playoff run

By Albert Dadson

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 22: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers stands on the court during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on February 22, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. The Kings won 112-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 22: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers stands on the court during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on February 22, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. The Kings won 112-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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In the midst of the Orlando bubble team’s depth will be tested. The LA Clippers have the best supporting cast in the league.

The LA Clippers championship hopes will restart next month. They will play three scrimmages before they finally start on July 30. The days leading up to the start date will be more important than the actual play.

The teams that are able to focus in terms of their preparation will see the most success when play resumes. Play will be sloppy to start. Some players have not touched a basketball in a long time besides the recent practice facilities reopening.

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There hasn’t been a stoppage in the middle of the season like this ever in NBA history. The player’s professionalism will be tested during this restart. With the mileage that has already been accrued and then the fact that they will go right into playoff play, we will see who is the toughest mentally.

The Clippers are a tough team. They rebound well, play defense and have great team chemistry. A first-round exit possibility for contenders has been heightened but with the makeup of the Clippers, they will not see an early exit in the playoffs.

This team is very efficient also. Kawhi Leonard takes the right shots. Paul George is an efficient 3-point shooter in the starting lineup which is what they really need. The rest of the team is able to play their role in the offense and get theirs.

The rest of the team will be the most important as a matter of fact. We all know what we are going to see from Leonard and George but what will take this team over the top is getting help from the supporting cast. That is help from the supporting cast in a neutral site.

In the playoffs things are intense. Points are hard to come by and you have to fight for everything. Role players always excel on their home court. There will be no home court to lean on this time. The Clippers have the best bench in the league in terms of bench points per game. They average 51.5 points per game.

Out of all the starting lineups in the NBA the LA Clippers are 28th. They average 64.7 points per game. This team relies on the bench for their success more than any team in the league. A player like Lou Williams who has been one of the greatest bench players that the NBA has ever seen will be crucial.

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Williams averages 18.7 points per game this season which is good for third on the team and he doesn’t even start. He is a player that can be called upon to close games also with his ability to get hot. Montrezl Harrell will also be important. He averages 18.6 points per game.

In terms of how much players on the team are used he is the most efficient. He shoots 58.0 percent from the field. In what will be a tough playoff field his ability to get buckets will be crucial.

Other players like Marcus Morris Sr. and Patrick Beverly will be vital pieces because of their toughness and defense. They can also score but what they do in terms of being aggressive will help when things get tough and the team needs some juice.

Covid-19 was the grinch that stole the NBA season. It could also damage a team’s playoff chances. There will be positive coronavirus tests. That’s the risk that comes with playing in the contest. That’s why the supporting cast will be so crucial.

What if George or Leonard test positive and are out for two weeks. What if other players get sick? The Clippers depth will be tested. As will other teams. The team that is able to reload and play well even in the midst of the virus will be the team that lasts.

Depth will be important for the rest of the season. The LA Clippers are the best team in that category. They should be able to weather the storm.

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