Despite strong regular season, L.A. bows out in first round again
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Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
For the first time since 2020, Kawhi Leonard is entering the offseason healthy. But that may be the lone bright spot for the Los Angeles Clippers, who were eliminated in the first round of the NBA playoffs—again.
The Clippers, the oldest team in the league, are placing their future in the hands of two-time Finals MVP Leonard and 10-time All-Star James Harden. Despite high expectations, they fell short in a Game 7 blowout against Denver.
“We could have given a better effort, for sure,” said Leonard. “I don’t think this team is 30 points better than us. I mean, you’ve seen it throughout the first six games of the series. But you’ve got to give them credit.”
Harden did his part in Game 6, dropping 28 points—including 17 in the second quarter—and logging over 46 minutes. But in Game 7, he couldn’t replicate the performance, finishing with just seven points on 2-for-8 shooting, despite dishing out 13 assists.
Zubac’s Emergence, Missed Opportunities
One of the few consistent bright spots was Ivica Zubac, who averaged 16 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists in the series. Yet many felt he should have been featured more in the offense.
“There were times we should’ve gotten him the ball more. It could have changed things,” a team source noted.
Looking Ahead
Leonard didn’t make his season debut until January due to inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee. He averaged 21.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in just under 32 minutes per game. He has two years remaining on his contract.
“There’s another level for him that he’s going to get to next year,” said Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank. Speaking via video from New York due to a family medical issue, Frank expressed confidence in the team’s core.
“I definitely believe in those two,” he said, referring to Leonard and Harden. “I think we can be better next year with more games from Kawhi.”
Harden, originally brought in to complement Leonard and Paul George, shouldered much of the offensive load this season. He averaged 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds while appearing in 79 games.
Unmet Expectations
Still, the team failed to make it out of the first round for the third straight season. The Clippers finished 50-32 and secured the fifth seed in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. This was their debut season at the new Intuit Dome, where fans had high hopes for a deep playoff run.
“Our players are embarrassed about Game 7, and they’re really, really upset that we lost the series,” said Frank.
The franchise continues to distance itself from the destructive tenure of former owner Donald Sterling. Under Steve Ballmer’s leadership, the Clippers have been positioned to compete. But this latest letdown has fans wondering when the promise will translate into playoff success.
Harden has a player option for next season, when he’ll turn 36. Frank said he’s operating under the assumption that Harden will stay.
“We have a great level of appreciation for what James did this year,” Frank said. “If he doesn’t pick up his option, we’re still confident we can reach an agreement that works for both sides.”
