A Tale of Two Clippers

Clippers Changing the Lineup

First of all, it has to be noted that the Clippers once
again made all the right moves at the trade deadline. They shipped out Moe
Harkless, who was known for being a long, pesky defender and an inconsistent
shooter, for Marcus Morris, who was averaging a career high in points and 3PT%
as the Knicks’ leading scorer this year. They also shipped out Derrick Walton
Jr and Jerome Robinson, neither staples in the rotation, for cash and Isaiah
Thomas, who was promptly waived. These moves left the Clippers with two open
roster spots heading into buyout season. As one of the clear favorites in the
west, they stand a good shot at landing any current or soon-to-be free agents
on the market. After shipping out a PG, SG, and SF for a bigger SF/PF combo
player, the thought has to be that the front office will target guards or
smaller forwards to fill out their playoff roster.

Clippers Lose @ Minnesota (142 – 115)

The first game of the back-to-back took place in Minnesota
against another team that made big moves at the deadline. The headliner was
their Star swap of Andrew Wiggins and picks for D’Angelo Russell and bench
players. However, do not underestimate the talent the Wolves picked up from
smaller trades with players such as James Johnson, Malik Beasley, Allen Crabbe,
and Juan Hernangomez. None of these are household names, but they are all serviceable
players that can bolster Minnesota’s depth behind their new star duo.

Under Manned, Out Gunned

The Clippers came into this game for the first time without
Moe Harkless or Jerome Robinson. Marcus Morris had not yet been cleared to join
the team, and Patrick Beverley was sidelined with a groin injury. This left the
Clippers somewhat shorthanded, but still with their pair of star duos intact
with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard starting and Lou Williams and Montezl
Harrell available off the bench. However, the star power was not enough.

The new look Timberwolves, also without newly acquired star
Russell, dismantled the Clippers from start to finish. The game was tied at
18-18 with 5:01 left in the first quarter, and that was as close as the
Clippers came to winning this game. The Wolves outscored the Clippers in every
single quarter. Three different Minnesota players had at least 20 points
including All Star snub Karl-Anthony Towns (22), Malik Beasley (23), and
surprise rookie Jordan McLaughlin (24). As a team, the Wolves hit 26 three
pointers, which equaled the number of attempts the Clippers had. They had a
staggering 39 assists on 52 made field goals. We have to give credit to the
Timberwolves for knocking down shots and lighting up one of the favorites to
win the west, but the Clippers’ perimeter defense has to be better if they
expect to make it far into the postseason.

Clippers Win @ Cleveland (133-92)

The Sunday game provided the polar opposite of what happened
in Minnesota the day before. Kawhi Leonard sat out the second night of a
back-to-back, as has come to be the expectation. Patrick Beverley was still
sidelined with injury as well, but Marcus Morris was set to take the court for
the first time in a Clippers uniform! The team, specifically Paul George, came
out on fire and full of energy. He finished the game with 22 points in only 24
minutes of action, not playing at all in the 4^th quarter. He shot an
efficient 8-12 from the field including 5-8 from long range. Lou Williams got
the starting nod with both Beverley and Kawhi out, and he delivered with 25
points in only 26 minutes. His running mate, Montrezl Harrell poured in his
usual 19 off the bench as well while adding nine rebounds and three assists.

Marcus Morris proved to be a good addition, but was not his
usual self in his first game with the team. He managed 10 points on 5-12
shooting without knocking down any of his four three point attempts. However,
he still played 22 minutes, grabbed four rebounds, three steals, and 2 assists
while only committing one turnover. His presence was felt, but his potential
has yet to be reached. His unselfish play, length on defense, and post scoring
were enough to get all Clippers fans excited about the final product with all
members of the team healthy and working well together.

Road Ahead

The Clippers have two more games before the All Star Break.
Both come on the road on the east coast against premier Eastern Conference
teams. Up first is a matchup with the biggest team in the league, the 76ers on
Tuesday night. With Kawhi likely back in the lineup, fans will get their first
look at the versatility of the new look team when the Kawhi-George-Morris
lineup hits the court. Don’t be surprised however if Beverley’s absence spills
over into the All Star Break, giving him several more days to recover. Then,
right before All Star Weekend gets under way, the Clippers will make one last
stop in Boston to take on the young Celtics. Bold prediction: watch for Marcus
Morris to have his first big game with the Clippers against his former squad in
Boston.

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