Clippers’ thoughts are on the postseason

The Clippers have shifted their focus to the playoffs. On the second night of back-to-back games with the Phoenix Suns, only one starter played for Los Angeles.

Terance Mann was the only usual member of the starting lineup, with the other four players having started 28 games combined all season. Bones Hyland erupted for 37 points. With Hyland going off, the Clippers led Phoenix with seven minutes left in the game before the Suns ultimately won the contest, 124-108.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Bones Hyland (5) scored 37 points in a 124-108 defeat to the Phoenix Suns on April 10, 2024. Photo credit: Mark Hammond/News4usonline

“We all know Bones is a talent. When you are playing behind guys like Russ, it is tough to get on the floor, but he has done a great job of just sticking with it,” said Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue. “When his name has been called, he has been good for us.”

The Clippers will be either the fourth or fifth seed in the West and play the Dallas Mavericks. This is the third time they will meet in the postseason in five years, with Los Angeles winning the previous two.

This time around, there will also be Kyrie Irving to worry about.

Irving and Doncic sharing the same backcourt for a full season, have created one of the most dynamic one-two-guard punches the league has seen. They are some of the craftiest players in the world and two of the best difficult shot-makers the game has to offer.

Despite losing both times, Luka Doncic has torched the Clippers offensively in the playoffs. In their matchups in 2020 and 2021, Doncic averaged 33.5 points, and 9.5 assists per game.

It is one of the toughest first-round draws in the West. Dallas has won 16 of its last 18 games, making them the hottest team in the league. Other than Denver, there are not many more Western Conference opponents LA could have faced that are as daunting as the Mavericks.

“Any time I coach the team that we have, I always have a chance to win. Until we are out of the playoffs, I like my chances. When we lost six games in a row, I still said I really like this team, and I really meant it,” said Lue.

The Clippers match up well against Dallas, so the first-round series could be a blessing in disguise. Their nemesis this year is teams with solid frontcourts. Teams with above-average big men have consistently outrebounded them while having their way scoring in the post.

Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are still two of the league’s top on-ball defenders when called upon. No team is better equipped to slow down Doncic and Irving. Terance Mann is also a versatile defender who can take on the responsibility when the stars are resting.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Bones Hyland (5) gives the team instant offense when he comes in off the bench. With the starters for the Clippers resting, Hyland dropped 37 points on the Phoenix Suns in a 124-108 defeat at Crypto.com Arena on April 10, 2024. Photo credit: Mark Hammond/News4usonline

“I’ve already started,” said Lue postgame on when he will start preparing for Dallas.

In the previous two series, the Mavericks have utilized screens to draw switches until they get the matchups they want for their playmakers. The Clippers should have the defensive flexibility to counter their attack.

A lot is still riding on the health of Kawhi Leonard, who missed his sixth straight game. Lue said Leonard missing time in the playoffs is “not (a concern) as of right now.”


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