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

The LA Clippers have had a history of disappointment.

Who could forget in 2020 when the Clippers were up 3-1 against the Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinal, but collapsed to a 4-3 exit? That was a team that was led by Kawhi, Paul George, Lou Williams, Marcus Morris, Harrell, and Reggie Jackson. 

In 2015, the Clippers couldn’t close out the series against the Rockets and lost Game 6, then Houston sent them packing in Game 7. They’ve blown 31-point leads. They’ve failed to capitalize when opposition teams are missing star talent. Even when they were favorites, in most cases they have crumbled. 

Over the last 10 years, the Clippers have fallen short of lofty expectations. We’ve come to expect this. They haven't been able to overcome playoff adversity or significant junctures when it matters most. And because of that, the Clippers have drifted into a territory where they’re a hard team to trust. 

We can all agree that the Los Angeles team has had the talent, resources, and capability to lift the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy at least once in the last 10 years. But they’ve become the NBA’s loafers, who seem destined every season to be a good team but not great.