The LA Clippers are not known historically for being a winning team. These NBA Playoffs are the start of a new era in which the team will finally win.
Winning is done when a team sacrifices to reach a common goal. The LA Clippers have sacrificed from roster spots 1-through-15.
Coming to Orlando to win the franchise’s first championship ever was a decision made by the whole team. Winning a title would mean a new era for a team with a ruffled past.
Great players have suited up for the Clippers. Players have made the All-Star team. Also, they have received great honors. The team though has always been known for losing.
Los Angeles is legendary. Some of the greatest talents in the world have made a name for themselves in this town. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are homegrown talents and need no introduction to the glamour and glitz of LA.
In this first-round matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, both players knew they had to be great. Both players needed each other to be great. Eventually, that was accomplished. The result?
The LA Clippers finally ending their first-round drought.
Both players talked about whether or not they will celebrate this stepping stone in their Clippers tenure:
"“You always celebrate,” Leonard said. “You could be going home right now. It’s one step closer to where we want to get. It’s a good accomplishment. But you always enjoy a win. Never want to take that away or I don’t know why we’re playing.”"
"“On previous teams we’d celebrate,” George said. “Didn’t have to be anything major. Just a dinner to decompress, be together, laugh together, & be as one. I’m sure we’ll do that. We started this series off with a dinner, we gotta make the emphasis to stay together.”"
Leonard had 35 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists and five steals. George had 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
No series in the NBA playoffs is without struggle. The mental struggles George went through was the talk of the series.
For Game 2-4 the coolest cat of the NBA lost his cool. As soon as he shut out all the noise he was then able to just ball like he usually does.
The next series will call for full attention from both players at all times. In the semi-finals, the element of surprise is in the other team’s favor. Scouting Game 7 isn’t out of the question.
Both opponents are physical and easy baskets won’t be in abundance. The NBA playoffs start now.
Things only get harder for the LA Clippers in the NBA playoffs
Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks were inexperienced, but whoever they play next will have more experience in the playoffs.
Making the right decisions is key. They need to shoot in rhythm. Taking and creating open shots helps take the pressure off of everybody. Finally, playing defense to generate easy looks has to be on the minds of the Clippers. Good play on the defensive side negates the pressure of always making the right decision in half-court offense.
Winning a championship is the only way the mission in Orlando will be successful. A team that has never had life is the favorite now.
Riding the hot hand is what will produce wins. Kawhi Leonard had four straight games of 30 or more points to end the series.
Leonard’s running mate Paul George said this about how consistent he is:
"“Kawhi is a man of business. He stepped in time after time. He put us on his back. After this series, he is the most reliable guy.”"
Leonard has been invincible. He is the last Finals MVP. Leonard has sacrificed regular season play that could elevate his career to winning in the postseason. The LA Clippers have put their stock in Leonard and George to produce.
The two superstars have delivered a Round 1 victory. Knock one notch off the quest for a championship.