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LA Clippers: Can they win an NBA championship without Kawhi Leonard?

By Jack Simone

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 01: Paul George #13 and Reggie Jackson #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers react to a play during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 01, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 - NOVEMBER 01: Paul George #13 and Reggie Jackson #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers react to a play during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 01, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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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LA Clippers
Paul George #13 and Nicolas Batum #33 of the LA Clippers talk over a play during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

The LA Clippers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. Before losing to the Chicago Bulls last night, they had won seven games in a row, catapulting themselves towards the top of the Western Conference.

With Kawhi Leonard out for the entire season, Paul George has really stepped up. He looks like the version of himself that fans dubbed “MVPG13” just a few years ago.

George is averaging 26.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 44.9 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from deep. The most impressive stat, however, is that he’s averaging 2.2 steals per game.

Can this LA Clippers team win an NBA championship without Kawhi Leonard?

He is leading an LA Clippers team that is ranked third in the NBA in defensive rating (102.1) and fifth in the NBA in opponent’s points per game (103.3). They are winning games byways of their elite defense.

Now, the Clippers have been a great defensive team ever since Leonard and George joined the squad. However, to see them keep up that same success with Leonard sidelined is truly remarkable.

There are a lot of moving parts to this Clippers team, and a lot of players have had to step up. The biggest one to note has been point guard Reggie Jackson.

He is following up an elite playoff run with a great season. Jackson is averaging 17.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists a night, ranking second on the team in scoring.

Other players that have stepped up include Eric Bledsoe, Luke Kennard, Nicolas Batum, and Terance Mann. Each of them is averaging 10+ points per game as well.

The craziest part is, this team isn’t even playing to its full potential. A lot of great three-point shooters, such as Marcus Morris, George, and Jackson, have struggled to shoot efficiently to start the year.

If they can turn things around, this team has a chance to do something special this year. Could they actually be a title contender without Leonard on the court?

That idea may seem crazy to think about, but with the way they have looked this year, it really isn’t. This LA Clippers team is legit, and they have a shot at winning the Western Conference this year behind an elite defensive unit.

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