Something special is brewing in L.A., and Kawhi is leading the charge

After starting the year 3-7 in the first 10 games, which included a rough six-game losing streak, the Clippers have clawed their way into real championship contention. What began as a climb back from obscurity into middle ground soon blossomed into something special. 

Since the end of November, the Clippers have gone 28-7, and so far in 2024 they’ve produced the second-2024,best record with 17-5, behind Cleveland, who are rolling at 18-3 Both18-3. have been better than the Bucks, the Celtics, and better than the reigning Champions, Denver, who are 13-8 since the start of this year. 

In the last 21 games, the Clippers have had the second-best true shooting percentage at 63 percent, own the best three-point shooting percentage at 42.1 percent, and have averaged 120.2 per game. They’re third in the Western Conference and are 5th overall.

Their form on this side of the season—right before All-Star Weekend—gives them a firm launch pad into this year’s playoff race at 36-17. And, yes, we’ve seen this all before good regular-season basketball, which is often followed by a late season crash. Usually in the playoffs.