The Clippers didn’t at all sound like title favorites in the aftermath of a demoralizing loss to the Grizzlies the other day. It wasn’t simply that they absorbed a setback against opponents with far less talent than theirs and in clear rebuild mode. It was that they did so at home, and by a whopping 26 points. Never mind that All-Star Paul George and defensive demon Patrick Beverley were sidelined due to injury. That they were on the wrong end of the final score for the second time in four matches since their Christmas Day victory against the rival Lakers, and for half of their last 10 outings, speak volumes on the state of their competitiveness — or, to be more precise, lack thereof.
Not that the Clippers expect to rule the Western Conference in the face of their subscription to an aggressive load-management program that has reigning Finals Most Valuable Player Kawhi Leonard sitting out the second game of back-to-back sets, and then some. Given their pronouncements, they’re looking at the big picture, and figure to be content with a top-four seeding and homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs. And it’s exactly where they are despite their travails — which is why head coach Doc Rivers isn’t sounding any alarm bells. Not yet, at least.
Then again, there are no silver linings to being booed off the court by a fan base long on patience but no less hopeful of a deep run. The other day, the Clippers were listless at best, and deserved the jeers they got for being such gracious hosts. They had their backsides handed to them by competition that had no business even keeping pace. And so gloomy was the locker room afterwards that Montrezl Harrell, who put up 28 and nine in a valiant effort, refused to characterize the “vibe” he felt. “I don’t know, brother,” he replied when asked. “I don’t know. And that might be another problem right there.”
Perhaps not. The Clippers are, after all, still extremely efficient when armed with a full complement. They’re a heady 14 and four when Leonard and George are able to suit up together, and their style of play is precisely that which clicks in the postseason. At this point, the glass is what it is — and whether it’s half empty or half full depends on the view.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
