Inglewood, CA (News4usOnline) – The Clippers are looking to win 18 out of their last 21 games to secure a spot as high as the fourth seed in the Western Conference and guarantee home-court advantage in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
They moved to within two games of that mark on Wednesday, beating the second-place Rockets 134-117, going 16-3 over their last 19 outings.
Houston was extremely undermanned, essentially sitting its top six players. Over the past couple of weeks, LA has mostly played teams tanking for a better draft pick or resting for the playoffs, but that does not diminish the fact that they have been taking care of business in those games.
“It can be hard, but we still have to have the right mindset and be professional about it,” said Tyronn Lue.
“I told the guys after the game that we have to get back to our defensive identity. We can not let our guard down because of guys being out of whatever it may be,” said Lue. “When we are trying to get to where we want to go, you can’t do that. Our identity every single night has to be defense.”
Ivica Zubac finished the game with a triple-double for the first time in his career with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. He continues to make his case for several NBA regular-season awards, including Most Improved Player and Defensive Player of the Year.
“That was huge for Zu, huge for our team and morale, and just where we are at right now. I like where we are at,” said Lue. “(Zubac) has been good in the pocket, but now with the post doubles, he is taking his time and making the right pass and right play.”
His efforts on both sides of the ball have allowed the Clippers to be even better this season than last year, despite losing Paul George in the offseason.
James Harden also cooked early and often, with 13 points and four assists in the first quarter, finishing the night with 35 and 10.
They are not out of the water yet. A Golden State loss significantly increased their chances of avoiding the play-in, but a Denver win bumped LA down into fifth place for the moment. They remain within two games of five different teams in the standings, which makes winning their last two their only focus.
“We have been very satisfied. With Kawhi being out for over half the season, having Zu, Norm, and James carry us offensively the way they have has been huge for us. Now that we have that experience and Kawhi is back being himself, it really helps you moving forward because in the playoffs, you know these guys can help you and are comfortable scoring the basketball,” said Lue.
A lot will be riding on the last game of the season when the Clippers travel to the Bay to take on the Warriors on Sunday. The fate of as many as six teams might be on the line that night, depending on how the rest of the week shapes out.
The only thing certain right now in the West is that the Clippers are playing some of the best basketball of the bunch and will be ready for the matchup.
Benjamin Verbrugge is a reporter for News4usonline who studied journalism at CSU Dominguez Hills. “Sports have brought me much joy throughout my life, and I want to give a little back to something that has meant so much to me.” Email Benjamin at benverbrugge8@gmail.com.
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