Tyronn Lue has not one, but two problems to deal with. The first is the integration of James “I am the system” Harden, and the Clippers coach speaks of “the most complicated challenge of his career”. The second is to transform your team into a “clutch” formation. With Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers have two “go-to-guys” capable of playing just in the final minutes, and yet the Clippers have still not won a close game this season. Only the Wizards are in the same situation, and that’s difficult when you’re openly aiming for the title.
We remember that they started the season with a two-point loss to Utah, then they lost after overtime against the Lakers. Since the arrival of James Harden, they have lost by 7 points in Brooklyn, by 3 points against the Nuggets and the Grizzlies.
A big rebound problem
“I watched the last five minutes of these matches about ten times” explains the Clippers coach. “In the last five minutes, we concede 1.40 points per possession and we have to be better on defense. Whether we score or not, we have to do better in defense. We have to be determined, we can’t give up offensive rebounds, we can’t leave penetrations in the middle… Things like that. »
In fact, in the last five minutes of close matches, the Clippers attack poorly (106 points out of 100 possessions), and defend poorly (140 points scored out of 100 possessions). The differential is huge. THE LA Times also reports that in tight ends, they grab only 35% of defensive rebounds. The departures of Nicolas Batum and Robert Covington, but also the injury of Mason Plumlee, forced Lue to line up a “small ball” five, and that was paid for in cash.
Very poor choices in attack
On the other side of the field, the Clippers posted a sad 25.5% on shots at the end of close matches. This is the 3rd worst mark in the entire NBA, while their opponents shoot at 49%. In detail, that gives 5 out of 18 shots for Leonard, 0 out of 4 for Westbrook, 1 out of 4 for Harden and finally 3 out of 8 for George. “We have to go through Paul a lot more, but I also really have to find more shots for Kawhi in the 4th quarter, to make sure he is in rhythm” believes Lue.
All while relying on Harden since he has a lot of trouble shining without the ball, and he remains an isolation specialist. “There needs to be more reading. We have to understand that when James has the ball, we have to stay away. When Kawhi or PG have the ball, we must clear this area to be sure that they can launch, and find their preferred positions. Like I said, it’s a process and the guys get a little disoriented sometimes, but we have to keep working, and we’ll get better. »
