The Los Angeles Clippers’ offensive stagnation following the James Harden trade could find a solution by adopting a particular Russell Westbrook trait. Picture this: You’re pondering whether to splurge on a new TV, contemplating if the old one truly needs an upgrade. Yet, stepping into a store, you’re dazzled by the vivid displays, crystal-clear images, and vibrant colors, rendering your current TV a relic in comparison.
Similarly, the Clippers’ static, isolation-heavy offense starkly contrasts the free-flowing, collaborative attack of the Golden State Warriors. Despite the close assist numbers — 30 for the Warriors versus 26 for the Clippers — the deeper analysis reveals a significant disparity in ball movement. During the recent Warriors game, Golden State made 299 passes compared to the Clippers’ meager 249, spotlighting an ongoing issue since the acquisition of James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers on Halloween.
While increased passing doesn’t automatically guarantee improved scoring efficiency, it’s evident that the Clippers lack significant player movement. While stars like Leonard, George, and Harden excel in isolation or pick-and-roll plays, the team’s remaining members often become passive spectators rather than active contributors.
One striking instance during the Warriors game showcased Leonard’s isolation against Draymond Green, with no significant movement from the Clippers squad. Harden’s arrival was expected to address such deficiencies, yet the team is still navigating the integration process. Coach Tyronn Lue emphasizes the need for better cohesion among the star trio and the rest of the team, indicating that time and patience are essential in this transition.
Interestingly, Russell Westbrook, often criticized for various reasons, demonstrates a valuable attribute—movement. His adeptness at cutting and exploiting defensive openings, especially when opponents focus on the Clippers’ stars, offers a potential solution. Coach Lue acknowledges Westbrook’s effectiveness as a cutter, creating opportunities when defenses concentrate on Harden, Leonard, or George.
Despite the initial struggles and adjustments following Harden’s arrival, positive signs emerge. Since Westbrook’s shift to the bench, the Clippers’ starting unit has displayed an impressive plus-21.5 net rating in 148 minutes. As the team navigates this adjustment period, embracing Westbrook’s proactive movement could prove pivotal.
Paul George acknowledges the learning curve and the ongoing process of team chemistry development, emphasizing the need for patience amidst this transitional phase. Ultimately, infusing more dynamism—both in ball movement and player actions—could propel the Clippers toward offensive rejuvenation as they navigate this phase of adjustment and growth.
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