The LA Clippers are the most well liked crew in basketball. They simply dropped 151 factors in a win in opposition to the Indiana Pacers. The Clippers have now received eight in a row. The crew of older All Stars appears to be gelling after a sluggish begin.

After buying and selling for James Harden, the Clippers appeared like they made all of the incorrect strikes. LA misplaced their first 5 video games with Harden within the lineup. He averaged simply 15.0 ppg throughout that stretch.

They’ve turned it round since then. The Clippers are 13-3 with Harden since that span. Let’s check out what’s working in LA.

5 the reason why LA Clippers are taking part in nicely

The commerce for James Harden appeared disastrous. It appeared like Steve Ballmer and his entrance workplace put collectively an ageing roster that may miss the playoffs in a decent Western Convention.

Now the LA Clippers seem like legit contenders to make the Finals. Listed here are 5 the reason why the LA Clippers are rolling.

#5 – Russell Westbrook accepting his position

Westbrook has accepted his position as a backup level guard. He has stopped taking his typical ill-advised and large quantity of shot makes an attempt. Westbrook has thrived working the second unit. He has taken smarter possibilities with simply 6.9 shot makes an attempt per sport within the month of December.

He’s averaging 11.2 factors, 6.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists this season. His effectivity has seen an uptick this month, as he’s averaging 17.4 minutes per sport and taking pictures 52.7 p.c.

#4 – Kawhi Leonard’s scoring

Leonard has returned to the highest of his offensive sport. He has led the crew in scoring 4 occasions in the course of the win streak. He has proven off his capabilities to be the highest scorer and dominate a sport offensively as soon as once more. He dropped greater than 30 factors in all 4 of these video games.

#3 – Paul George’s well being

The primary purpose the Clippers are taking part in nicely this season is well being. That is the longest stretch they’ve had a wholesome Leonard and Paul George collectively. The Clippers additionally acquired fortunate that George’s current damage solely saved him out for one sport in opposition to the Warriors.

The Clips nonetheless received however George’s availability has been a serious key for LA. He’s averaging 21.6 factors per sport in December and has scored not less than 20 in six of his seven video games this month.

#2 – Zubac’s rebounding

Ivica Zubac has been an underrated a part of the LA Clippers run. He has been the strong massive inside on the glass the smaller LA Clippers lineup wants.

He’s averaging 9.8 boards per sport this month. He has managed the glass in a number of video games, together with his newest 16-rebound efficiency in opposition to the Pacers.

#1 – James Harden’s versatility

James Harden’s turnaround is the principle driving pressure behind LA’s turnaround. Harden has confirmed his adaptability. He can play because the distribution level guard. He may nonetheless take over a sport on the scoring entrance.

He proved as a lot when he scored 18 straight factors within the fourth quarter in opposition to the Pacers on his option to a team-high 35 factors.