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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Clippers are on a five-game losing streak and have lost much of their early dominance in the WC. They let slip some really close games while falling off the ranks, and all that can prove expensive later. 

After choking it in the last season, it is of paramount importance for the Clippers to iron out their woes and move ahead. The playoffs 2020 saw them struggling with the necessities like solid leadership, reliable chemistry, decent pressure-handling, and substantial self-confidence. Have they gotten any better in this season?

Kawhi Leonard with his own list of ‘areas of improvement’

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USA Today via Reuters

The side’s leading scorer and an All-star pitted against fellow teammate Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, has some goals. In an interview, the Klaw listed down the pain points where the Clippers must work and get better during the onset of the second half.

He noted, “Get some continuity, some chemistry, just execution trying to get these wins and so we can have some carryover into the playoffs and that’s what I want to see most.”

Last year, even after finishing as the second seed in the conference, the unit failed to qualify for the WC Finals. This time around, they have some new pieces in the likes of Serge Ibaka and Nicolas Batum, and that has helped them to some extent. Plus, the rumors suggest that they’re on the lookout to include players like Terry Rozier (Hornets) or Andre Drummond (Cavs). If they can complete any of these trades before the deadline, their frontcourt will reap the benefit and it can take some pressure off the Clipper duo.

Where did the Clippers lag until today?

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The Clippers have lost their last three games with a small deficit of five points or fewer. Against the Bucks, they were ahead until the last four minutes where they went scoreless. The same issue continued against the Celtics where the score was 100-102 with six minutes remaining.

They allowed the C’s to dominate for a couple of minutes, and that created a double-figure deficit that the Clippers could not fill. And then against the Wizards, the final possession with the duo of Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal wasted a great clutch effort from Kawhi Leonard, and they again posted the same result.

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Their fourth-quarter vows are getting worse, and Tyronn Lue must soon figure out the combinations that can deliver under pressure. The Clippers would not like to sit anywhere below the Top 3 in the WC, or it will be a tough outing for them in the playoffs.

Read also – Clippers’ Teammate Reveals How Kawhi Leonard Has Become More Vocal With His Leadership