They seemed poised to take over the Western Conference following their “Grammy Tour.” After the complicated debut of James Harden, the Clippers had in fact won 26 of their 31 matches from Christmas onwards.
Upon their return to Los Angeles on February 6, Kawhi Leonard and his team were at 34 victories for 15 defeats, a small victory for the Thunder and the Wolves. Problem: since then, they have lost 11 of their 21 outings, notably losing at home against the Hawks, and again yesterday against the Sixers, although without Joel Embiid…
After his first reunion (losing) against his former club, James Harden skipped the press, slipping away before the locker room doors opened, and his comrades seemed in the dark.
“I wish I had an answer. We would apply it if that were the case”, replied Kawhi Leonard on his team's current bad patch. “It’s basketball. We are fighting against another team. We need to be more focused and see what happens. We have to be more focused and play harder. »
“Don’t take shortcuts, do things the right way”
For Paul George also, the group lacks concentration, without having any more response.
“We have a group of veterans so we will get there”promises the former Pacers. “We just have to hang on and concentrate. I don't think our focus was where it needed to be on some occasions, so we just have to focus as a group.”
The Clippers clearly don't like the late schedules of these Sunday games, but that doesn't explain the constant defensive errors, with players only making the first effort.
“We talk about it every day”however assures Tyronn Lue, on the bad habits adopted by his team. “Don’t take shortcuts, do things the right way.” I think they are frustrated too. It's embarassing. When the opposing team arrives without Joel Embiid, Nico (Batum) is not playing and we are at home, we have to take advantage of it. We talk about it all the time. But at some point you have to do it. »
Los Angeles (44 wins – 26 losses) has indeed fallen out of the top three in the Western Conference, and finds itself more than ever under threat from New Orleans (44-27), which is coming back strongly behind and could therefore recover 4th place… and thus home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
