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[Los Angeles Clippers]

Former Player Names The Best Playoff Matchup For Clippers

(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Clippers have been looking better and better lately, and there is a chance they could earn their spot in the playoffs this year.

But can they make a long run in the postseason, or will they get pushed out early?

That depends on multiple factors, including who they play against.

Speaking on “Get Up,” Jay Williams said he thinks the Clippers should angle to battle the Houston Rockets in the playoffs.

He said the Rockets and their style of play are favorable to the Clippers, and it could be LA’s key to getting through the opening round.

"If you're the Clippers, you want Houston."

—@RealJayWilliams on what the best playoff matchup would be for Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers pic.twitter.com/RY2W1TE1KF

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 24, 2025

So, what has to happen to make this matchup possible?

Right now, the Clippers are the eighth seed in the West with a 40-31 record.

They have won eight of their last 10 contests and recently enjoyed a five-game winning streak.

In fact, that winning streak was only snapped because they lost to the West’s best, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

They have been looking much better lately, and if they wish to reach the postseason, they will have to keep it up and remain healthy.

The Rockets are currently the second seed in the conference.

If their numbers hold, they will play against the seventh seed.

That means the Clippers would have to remain the eighth seed or reach the seventh and then win the first game of the Play-In.

Then they would officially claim the seventh spot in the West and could take on the Rockets.

Otherwise, they’d be trying to be eighth and would go toe-to-toe with the fearsome Thunder.

The Clippers have their work cut out for them and none of this will be easy.

But their latest stretch of games proves they still have a lot of fight in them and could make it happen.

The post Former Player Names The Best Playoff Matchup For Clippers appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/former-player-names-the-best-playoff-matchup-for-clippers/

 

[Los Angeles Clippers]

Stats Show How Impressive Kawhi Leonard Has Been For Clippers

(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

They’re not where they want to be, but the Los Angeles Clippers have shown some serious signs of life lately.

That is partly due to Kawhi Leonard, who has been performing incredibly well over the last stretch of games.

According to Evan Sidery, Leonard has been in “vintage form.”

He has recently averaged 26.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.8 stocks per game.

To make that even more impressive, Leonard has had a true shooting percentage of 67.4 during this time.

Kawhi Leonard is rounding into vintage form at the perfect time for the Clippers:

26.3 points
7.8 rebounds
3.5 assists
2.8 stocks
67.4 TS%

If Leonard and James Harden can stay healthy, the Clippers will be a very tough out in the postseason. pic.twitter.com/4bk1Pexitm

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 24, 2025

The Clippers remain the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a 40-31 record.

On Sunday night, they almost beat the Oklahoma City Thunder and only lost by two points.

Although fans wish the Clippers were higher than the eighth seed, they are still quite happy with what they have seen lately, especially since Leonard has been looking so good.

There are always questions about him and his health and impact.

But when he plays like this, it’s hard to argue against the Clippers being a real threat in the West, especially if they make it through the Play-In Tournament.

Of course, they could also climb higher in the standings and avoid the Play-In entirely.

They are only a couple of games away from the fifth seed Memphis Grizzlies, so there is a real chance of them reaching the playoffs without appearing in the Play-In.

Leonard has been getting better and better and looking more and more like his regular, vintage self.

Clippers fans are hoping he keeps it up for the final few weeks of the season, positioning the team for an impressive and long playoff run.

The post Stats Show How Impressive Kawhi Leonard Has Been For Clippers appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/stats-show-how-impressive-kawhi-leonard-has-been-for-clippers/

 

[Los Angeles Clippers]

Marcus Morris Sr. Names The Most Feared Player In The NBA

(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Who is the most feared player in the NBA right now?

That’s a tough question that doesn’t have a clear answer, but Marcus Morris Sr. gave his opinion on Thursday morning.

Speaking on ESPN, via NBACentral, Morris said it’s not Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors who everyone fears.

Instead, he claimed that Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers is the scariest guy in the NBA.

Stephen A. Smith, who has said a few harsh things about Leonard over the years, wasn’t happy to hear this, but Morris defended his choice.

Marcus Morris Sr. says Steph Curry is not the most feared player in the NBA, and he would take Kawhi Leonard over him

(

@FirstTake / h/t @ClutchPoints )

pic.twitter.com/8y5rVjgKCl

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 3, 2025

Morris agreed that Curry is an offensive threat unlike any other.

He is definitely one of the best guards to ever play the game, according to Morris.

But Leonard is different and more intimidating because he can do it all.

It doesn’t matter if he is tasked with an offensive or defensive play, Leonard can get it done.

The same cannot be said for Curry, Morris claimed, because the Warriors superstar is a liability on defense.

Morris made sure to stress the fact that Leonard has to be healthy for this to be true, and most people agree that’s a problem for him.

He is undoubtedly a terrific NBA star, but he has a hard time remaining on the court because of his various injuries.

Smith wasn’t buying it, but Morris believes that Leonard is different and strikes fear into all his opponents.

Right now, he is healthy and playing terrific basketball before the playoffs.

Can Leonard stay in good shape and be the frightening presence Morris says he is for the entire postseason?

The post Marcus Morris Sr. Names The Most Feared Player In The NBA appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/marcus-morris-sr-names-the-most-feared-player-in-the-nba/

 

[Los Angeles Clippers]

Kawhi Leonard Earns Notable NBA Honor

(Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Clippers’ playoff hopes are looking brighter as Kawhi Leonard is finding his rhythm at just the right time.

After working his way back from a significant knee injury, Leonard has steadily regained his form, with his recent offensive surge providing exactly what the Clippers needed down the stretch.

Leonard’s impressive play hasn’t gone unrecognized around the league, as he just collected a notable achievement that highlights his recent performance level.

“Kawhi Leonard is the Western Conference Player of the Week. Heating up just in time for the playoffs,” Legion Hoops wrote on X.

Kawhi Leonard is the Western Conference Player of the Week

Heating up just in time for the playoffs

pic.twitter.com/UsQ7WfWH73

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 7, 2025

Leonard also continues to show why he remains among the NBA’s elite perimeter defenders.

Working within assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy’s defensive system, Leonard has integrated seamlessly, giving the Clippers reason to believe they might see his peak form when the 2025 NBA Playoffs arrive.

His numbers from last week tell the story. In four games, including two against the Dallas Mavericks, Leonard averaged 24.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

Most importantly, the Clippers won each of the four games.

The two-time NBA Finals MVP has appeared in 34 games for the Clippers this season, delivering consistent production with 21.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

His shooting efficiency stands out as well, at 49.6 percent from the field and an impressive 40.5 percent from 3-point range, while maintaining a reliable 80.6 percent from the free-throw line.

If the playoffs started today, the Clippers would face a challenging first-round matchup against the Denver Nuggets.

The post Kawhi Leonard Earns Notable NBA Honor appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/kawhi-leonard-earns-notable-nba-honor/

 

[Los Angeles Clippers]

Tyronn Lue Reveals His Thoughts On Michael Malone’s Firing

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The firing of Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone sent a message to the rest of the league: it doesn’t matter if you won a championship, and it doesn’t matter how close the playoffs are – everyone is expendable.

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue spoke about that recently, touching upon the sudden firing of Malone and the state of coaching in the NBA.

“The criteria for getting hired, fired, I don’t know what it is anymore,” Lue said, per RG on X.

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue on recent head-coaching firings before playoffs: ‘The criteria for getting hired, fired, I don’t know what it is anymore.” @MarkG_Medina's dispatch on former Nuggets coach Michael Malone being the latest casualty.https://t.co/6Xk8B1UojN

— RG (@TheRGMedia) April 9, 2025

Malone was definitely receiving negative reviews this year, but most people didn’t think he’d be fired at this point.

The Nuggets aren’t in the place they want to be, especially because Nikola Jokic is playing so well this year.

There have been complaints about the rotation and other choices Malone made.

A lot of people believed that he faced firing in the summer if the Nuggets didn’t turn things around and make a playoff push.

Instead, he was let go just days before the postseason.

Obviously, the firing might have major implications for the Nuggets.

It may have doomed their chances in the playoffs, but it could also put them in a better position.

This shows how much the Nuggets wanted a change and how much they didn’t like Malone’s performance.

Lue is probably safe with his job, especially because he has such a cozy and comfortable relationship with Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.

But the league moves quickly, the NBA is a business, and things can change in the blink of an eye.

Lue isn’t going to think about that and will instead stay focused on leading his team into the postseason.

He doesn’t understand why the league works like it does, but he is paying attention to more important things.

The post Tyronn Lue Reveals His Thoughts On Michael Malone’s Firing appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/tyronn-lue-reveals-his-thoughts-on-michael-malones-firing/

 

[Los Angeles Clippers]

Analyst Makes A Case For Ivica Zubac For 1 Notable NBA Award

(Photo by Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Clippers have done better than some people expected this season, and that’s partly due to Ivica Zubac, the talented big man who has been consistent since the very start of the year.

He has done so well, in fact, that Sam Vecenie believes he deserves to be considered for Most Improved Player of the Year.

“Honestly, I might be team Zubac for most improved player this year. Has taken such a massive leap. Not just a Harden creation as a big. Massive defender, maybe the best rebounder in the league, efficient inside and has that fun little hook shot. Just an awesome player now,” Vecenie wrote on X.

Honestly, I might be team Zubac for most improved player this year. Has taken such a massive leap. Not just a Harden creation as a big. Massive defender, maybe the best rebounder in the league, efficient inside and has that fun little hook shot. Just an awesome player now.

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) April 12, 2025

Last season, Zubac posted 11.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, and this year that total has reached 16.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.

There were a lot of worries about the Clippers when this season kicked off.

People weren’t sure how well James Harden would do, they were concerned with Kawhi Leonard’s health, and they also didn’t think the team had enough depth.

Zubac has been a blessing for the Clippers, playing wonderfully in the paint and providing some great defense again and again.

Averaging a double-double isn’t easy, and Zubac has clearly hit his stride.

Competition for Most Improved Player is tough this year, with stars like Cade Cunningham and Austin Reaves being considered for the prize.

Zubac might not win it, but his impact has been noted, and Clippers fans are eternally grateful for him.

The Clippers are looking to now make a splash in the playoffs, and Zubac will be a huge part of their plans.

He’s had a great regular season, so what will his postseason game look like?

The post Analyst Makes A Case For Ivica Zubac For 1 Notable NBA Award appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/analyst-makes-a-case-for-ivica-zubac-for-1-notable-nba-award/

 

[Los Angeles Clippers]

Brian Windhorst Names Most Intriguing First-Round NBA Playoff Series

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The NBA’s regular season is in the books, and now the marathon playoff season is set to begin with the Play-In Tournament on Tuesday.

There are a handful of very intriguing first-round matchups that were locked in on Sunday, and ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst named what he believes is the most intriguing series of the entire first round of the postseason.

During a Monday appearance on NBA Today, Windhorst claimed that the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers matchup as the No. 4 Vs No. 5 seeds in the Western Conference is the most intriguing first-round series.

“This is the best he (Kawhi Leonard) has looked to me, guys, since the 2019 season when he led the Raptors to the title.”

.@WindhorstESPN believes the Clippers vs. Nuggets may be the most intriguing series in the first-round of the playoffs.

“This is the best [Kawhi Leonard] has looked to me guys, since the 2019 season when he led the Raptors to the title.”

pic.twitter.com/MvliwHVlbd

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 14, 2025

The Clippers won a hard-fought battle at the Golden State Warriors in overtime on Sunday to solidify the No. 5 seed while the Nuggets took down the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets to lock in the No. 4 spot, setting the stage for a new and exciting first-round battle in what should be a great matchup on the Western Conference postseason slate.

These two teams haven’t met in the playoffs since the Nuggets erased a 3-1 deficit in the bubble in 2020 to advance to the Western Conference Finals.

The Nuggets have been through a brutal stretch since the All-Star Break that culminated with them firing head coach Michael Malone after a decade at the helm, and despite leading the franchise to its first championship two years ago.

Leonard has been absent for multiple Clippers playoff runs in recent years due to injury, but Windhorst is right in pointing out that this could be the best he has looked since the 2019 title run with the Toronto Raptors.

It’s impossible to predict what will happen in the West, but every first-round matchup looks exhilarating.

The post Brian Windhorst Names Most Intriguing First-Round NBA Playoff Series appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/brian-windhorst-names-most-intriguing-first-round-playoff-series/

 

[Los Angeles Clippers]

Gilbert Arenas Says 1 NBA Team Is The ‘Dark Horse’ Of The Western Conference

(Photo by Carrie Giordano/Icon Sportswire)

Conventional wisdom suggests the Oklahoma City Thunder will be the toughest Western Conference team in these upcoming playoffs, but there is always a dark horse squad that could come out of left field and surprise everyone.

Speaking on his show, Gilbert Arenas talked about the Los Angeles Clippers and said they are ones to watch.

“From the trade deadline when they got Ben Simmons and some of the things they added—that actually made them a lot better. Adding Kawhi (Leonard) and you can see everybody really gelling and playing well together. They are the dark horse, to me, in the West,” Arenas said.

Gil says that the Clippers are the dark horse in the West

pic.twitter.com/JU8vMfVjsl

— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) April 14, 2025

The Clippers are certainly playing like the team they were always supposed to be.

James Harden has been a consistent and great team leader, Ivica Zubac has been a sublime big man, and Kawhi Leonard has remained terrific and healthy.

That last point is a big one because it’s been a long time since the Clippers have seen a healthy Leonard.

The idea of him playing well in the postseason is a game-changer, and it is something that all NBA fans have gotten used to missing out on.

Teams may be about to face the rude awakening that comes with playing a Clippers team playing at 100 percent.

After their regular-season showdown with the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, the Clippers are now poised to take on the Denver Nuggets in the opening round of the playoffs.

They may be the underdogs, but most people agree this will be a tough series for both teams, and no one would be surprised if the Clippers came out on top.

If they do, they will prove Arenas’ point and show that they are a team everyone should be afraid of.

The post Gilbert Arenas Says 1 NBA Team Is The ‘Dark Horse’ Of The Western Conference appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/gilbert...-is-the-dark-horse-of-the-western-conference/

 

[Los Angeles Clippers]

Patrick Beverley Gives Honest Thoughts About Kawhi Leonard In The Playoffs

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Patrick Beverley spent some time playing with Kawhi Leonard on the Los Angeles Clippers, and he saw firsthand what he is capable of.

Seemingly healthy and prepared to push into the playoffs, Leonard looks ready to play hard right now.

Speaking on his podcast, Beverley talked about Leonard and what he can do.

He also revealed that he recently sent a message to Leonard and got a great response from him.

Leonard sounded very excited to take on the rest of the league in the postseason.

“They are waiting on the Klaw,” Leonard allegedly texted, calling himself a “silent assassin.”

Healthy Kawhi going into the playoffs… we definitely missed THE KLAW!

pic.twitter.com/b47ZnMeHat

— Pat Bev Pod (@PatBevPod) April 14, 2025

This may be the postseason that Clippers fans have been waiting for.

For years, they have faced disappointment when injuries have flared up and taken Leonard out of the game.

But this year, Leonard has only gotten healthier as time has gone by, and now he is playing fantastic basketball with no injuries.

On Sunday, he was a massive part of the Clippers’ win over the Golden State Warriors, posting 33 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.

Now the Clippers will face an even bigger challenge: Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets in the opening round.

How will Leonard perform during that series, and can he remain healthy for it and whatever comes next?

He used to be one of the most fearsome powers in the postseason, and he is hoping to have a big impact this year.

Based on this text conversation between him and Beverley, it sounds like Leonard is ready to put the injuries and doubts behind him and be a playoff menace again.

The post Patrick Beverley Gives Honest Thoughts About Kawhi Leonard In The Playoffs appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/patrick...thoughts-about-kawhi-leonard-in-the-playoffs/

 

[Los Angeles Clippers]

Matchup Between Warriors, Clippers On Sunday Made NBA History

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

NBA fans were lucky enough to witness some fireworks on Sunday when the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers duked it out in one of the best games of the season.

A lot was on the line, and both teams were fighting hard.

In fact, the two teams actually made history.

As pointed out by the NBA on X, James Harden, Steph Curry, Kawhi Leonard, and Jimmy Butler all scored 30+ points in the game.

That was the first time in league history that four players scored 30+ points in the same game on the last day of the regular season.

These players were giving it their all, and fans were very lucky to see it.

STARS SHINE WHEN IT MATTERS MOST

In today's epic Clippers/Warriors battle, ALL FOUR of Harden (39), Steph (36), Kawhi (33), & Jimmy (30) scored 30+ PTS!

It's the FIRST time in NBA history that 4 players scored 30+ in the same game on the last day of the regular season

pic.twitter.com/81xiQY2QMk

— NBA (@NBA) April 14, 2025

Harden scored a game-high 39 points, while Curry posted 36, Leonard notched 33, and Butler earned 30.

In the end, the Clippers came out on top with their 124-119 win, earning them the fifth seed in the West, while the Warriors are now headed to the Play-In Tournament.

After such a tough battle, many Warriors fans are worried about how their team will perform.

They will face the Memphis Grizzlies.

Curry, Butler, and the rest of the crew hope to make easy work of them so they can get the seventh seed and prepare for the playoffs.

The last thing they want is to lose that game and then head to another match against either the Sacramento Kings or Dallas Mavericks.

As for the Clippers, they are ready to go toe-to-toe with the Denver Nuggets and hope to upset them.

Both teams gave it their all on Sunday, but they don’t have the luxury of relaxing yet.

The post Matchup Between Warriors, Clippers On Sunday Made NBA History appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/matchup-between-warriors-clippers-on-sunday-made-nba-history/