In the first round of the NBA playoffs in the West, the Clippers have undoubtedly become the focus of attention of many fans. The giants, led by the "Big Four", were originally thought to be expected to easily advance to the final four in the West, but now they are in trouble.
After two games, the Clippers lost to the Mavericks away, and the big score fell behind from 1-0 to 1-2 now, and they were in a passive situation. In this regard, the Clippers reporter also bluntly said that if Leonard still can't find his form, then the Clippers might as well consider not playing him in Game 4. This has undoubtedly aroused people's attention and discussion.
Let's take a look back at the battle and explore where the Clippers are in a difficult situation and how they can strike next to regain the initiative in a difficult situation.
First of all, the issue of Leonard's form cannot be ignored. The two-time championship superstar only had 9 points and 9 rebounds in this game, and his performance was quite sluggish. The suggestions of the reporters accompanying the team also highlight the seriousness of the problem.
In fact, in the previous two games, Leonard's performance failed to meet expectations. He couldn't dominate the team's offensive tempo like he did during the regular season, and he lacked the impact he deserved. This has to cause fans to worry about his form.
And, there are some concerns about Paul George and Willis, two equally good stars. Paul George only scored 7 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in this game, and his performance was mediocre; And Wei Shao set an embarrassing record - it was the first time in 199 games in the playoffs that he failed to score a single point in a single game in an athletic game.
Such a performance is undoubtedly disappointing. As one of the "Big Four" of the Clippers, their form directly affects the overall strength of the team. If the trio can't find their groove quickly in the next game, the Clippers' attempt to turn the tide will be nothing short of a dream.
Of course, we can't ignore the performance of the Mavericks. At home, they showed great strength and fighting spirit. Although the Clippers swept them 4-0 in the regular season, the Mavericks' performance on a big stage like the playoffs can be described as very different.
Players such as Ludley Finney, Spas Wong and Donavin Mitchell all had excellent performances in this game. With their excellent defense and nimble offense, they managed to suppress the Clippers' offense. This undoubtedly put a lot of pressure on the Clippers, causing them to fall into anxiety and helplessness.
In addition, the Mavericks showed a strong fighting spirit during the game. Not only do they fight tenaciously when it matters most, but they are also able to stay proactive at all times. This is in stark contrast to the emotional ups and downs and lack of focus of some of the Clippers' players.
On the whole, the Clippers' current predicament can be said to be caused by many factors.
The first is the form of the team's core stars. As the team's Big Four, the performance of Leonard, Paul George and Westbrook has a direct impact on the team's overall strength. If they can't find their senses, the Clippers will have a tough time turning things around.
The second is the team's overall coordination and execution. In this game, the Clippers' offensive rhythm and defensive intensity were lacking, which was a big reason for their eventual loss. If they are to turn the tide in the future games, it is not enough to rely on individual strength, they need the cooperation of all the players.
Finally, the Mavericks are a powerhouse that cannot be ignored. They showed extraordinary strength and fighting spirit at home, successfully suppressing the Clippers' offense. This undoubtedly gave the Clippers a huge challenge and put them in a passive situation.
So, how exactly do the Clippers get out of their current predicament?
First of all, the team's core stars have to find their form quickly. Leonard, in particular, as the leader of the team, must step up at key moments and lead the team out of the predicament. Not only should they have the impact they deserve on the offensive end, but they should also play a key role on the defensive end.
Secondly, the team's overall coordination and execution needs to be improved. Whether it's the offensive tempo, defensive intensity, or the tacit understanding between the players, the Clippers players need to improve in the next games. Only if the whole team works together will they be able to reverse the current passive situation.
Finally, the team also needs to adjust the tactical deployment and rotation scientifically and rationally. Against the Mavericks' formidable defense, the Clippers had to find an effective response. At the same time, reasonable adjustment of players' playing time and rotation plan will also help maintain the overall state of the team.
There's no doubt that the challenges facing the Clippers are daunting. But we believe that with the fantastic coach of Tyronn Lue and the team's Big Four working together, they will eventually be able to regain the initiative and turn things back from difficult situations.
The fierce playoffs are to test the overall strength and mental outlook of the team. For the Clippers, this will be a valuable opportunity to practice. We expect them to draw strength from this crisis, show their will not to admit defeat in the next games, and finally successfully advance to the Western Conference Final Four, and advance to a higher goal!