It’s solely two video games into an 82-game season, and frustration already appears to be on the Los Angeles Clippers’ agenda. Throughout LA’s sport in Utah in opposition to the Jazz, Kawhi Leonard’s physique language mentioned rather more than he ever would publicly following Russell Westbrook’s game-winning shot try.
In equity to Westbrook, Leonard had simply missed what would have been the game-winner from behind the arc to beat the shot clock. The rebound bounced off the aspect of the rim proper into Russ’ clutches with simply seconds remaining. Initially, the response is in charge Westbrook, particularly after seeing the shot come up brief. Nicholas Batum was a couple of toes away on the wing with about three seconds on the clock, however at that time, a fast resolution was wanted to get any shot off.
Nonetheless, that isn’t the true concern right here. This was the second sport of the season. After all, you’d desire Westbrook to kick it out to Batum or get it again to Leonard, however Kawhi falling to the ground because the shot goes up is what’s grabbing everybody’s consideration. If Kawhi hadn’t fallen to the ground along with his head down, of us would have shortly moved previous this loss. It’s the second sport of the 12 months, so it’s not a giant deal.
This seems like only the start of a season stuffed with frustration, much like what the Lakers skilled throughout Russ’ brief tenure on that aspect of Crypto.com Enviornment. The funnier half is that the group is significantly contemplating including James Harden to this calamity.
The Clippers ought to win a variety of video games this 12 months no matter whether or not they purchase Harden however including him to the combo doesn’t improve their odds of successful a championship. And we’re not speaking about odds on Las Vegas betting strains. They’ll enhance their odds ought to that commerce occur as a result of they know a variety of fools will take the bait.
When it comes all the way down to it, this staff’s title window has been slammed shut. Leonard and Paul George don’t play sufficient, and Westbrook gained’t have the ability to choose up all of the slack. On paper, including Harden looks like transfer to many, however we’ve witnessed Harden within the postseason for a lot too lengthy. The deeper his groups have gone, the much less we’ve seen of MVP Harden. The Clippers could be higher off selecting up a few high-end function gamers who can are available and contribute instantly, including to their depth.
Perhaps Leonard’s response to Westbrook’s shot was taken out of context, however the optics didn’t look good. Within the age of social media, that’s all it takes for one thing to take off and go viral. Dangerous physique language tells its personal story and doesn’t anticipate a proof. This is perhaps one thing Kawhi must clear up with Russ as a result of it regarded like he’d misplaced all religion in Westbrook after that one failed try. It’s robust taking part in a complete season with some extent guard you don’t belief with the ball in his arms.
