Felicia Enriquez, aka Mynt J, is the host of the podcast BlackLove and Basketball – Compton Version. She is a Clippers fan, an NBA credentialed creator representing thePeachBasket. On this article, From Hope to Heartache: Contained in the Clippers Collapse and the Offseason Questions Going through Clipper Nation, she recaps the journey because the Clippers within the 2024-25 season and the trail forward.
Clippers Season Ends in Disappointment—However the Questions Are Simply Starting
Hello Clipper Nation,
Let’s begin with this: I see you. I really feel you. And I perceive.
Whether or not you’ve been rocking with the Clippers for the reason that San Diego days, by way of Lob Metropolis, the Kawhi/PG period, or even when this was your first season, being a Clippers fan says quite a bit about your coronary heart. You didn’t simply select a staff—you selected battle, grit, resilience, and an entire lot of emotional endurance. You voluntarily signed up for the rollercoaster. And belief me, it’s not for the weak.
Being a fan of this staff is completely different. It’s not about chasing clout—it’s about selecting hope each single yr and loving your squad even when the world laughs. That’s what makes us household. And for that, I thanks.
Now… the season is formally over. And Clippers followers are sitting in that acquainted daze. We anticipated extra time with our staff, extra recollections on the Dome, and actually, simply extra struggle. However right here we’re once more—eradicated within the first spherical.
Proper now, it’s honest to really feel disenchanted. Sport 6 was promising. The staff confirmed coronary heart. However Sport 7? We unraveled. So, the massive query turns into: what occurred?
The Teaching Controversy
Was Ty Lue outcoached? Is it time for a brand new voice within the locker room? Followers are divided. Some say Coach Lue is a part of the answer, not the issue. However others are louder than ever.
On social media, the teaching critiques are scorching:
- “Teaching was simply unhealthy.”
- “I might hearth Ty Lue and promote Jeff Van Gundy.”
- A trending Twitter petition even shouts, “Fireplace Lawrence Frank! Demand an Finish to Lawrence Frank Insanity Now!”
It’s getting actual. And whereas some blame may really feel emotional, there’s no denying this staff—stacked with All-Stars and backed by among the finest arenas in sports activities—underachieved. Once more.
Steve Ballmer Gave Us the Blueprint
Let’s not ignore what Steve Ballmer has achieved. The person constructed a futuristic area for us. He invested in expertise, saved tickets reasonably priced, and gave followers a way of pleasure. However that pleasure solely stretches up to now once you’re sitting at residence watching the second spherical out of your sofa.
So, what now? Who stays? Who goes? One identify we’d not see once more is Amir Coffey, who hasn’t touched the ground since April. And sure, he’ll be missed.
Clippers Collapse: Sport 6 vs. Sport 7: What Went Unsuitable?
Let’s break down the numbers and learn how we went from combating onerous in Sport 6 to falling flat in Sport 7.
Closing Scores:
- Sport 6 Win: 111–105
- Sport 7 Loss: 101–120 From 6 factors forward to 19 behind.
Rebounds & Inside Presence:
- Sport 6: Denver 39 | LA 35
- Sport 7: Denver 46 | LA 36
- Factors within the Paint: Sport 7 noticed Denver outscore us 66–58 inside. Denver muscled us inside and cleaned the glass higher.
Second-Likelihood Factors:
- Sport 6 was even at 17–17.
- Sport 7? Denver 22, Clippers 10. That hole harm—unhealthy.
Assists & Turnovers:
- Sport 7 noticed extra ball motion (30 assists), but additionally 14 turnovers. Extra passes, extra errors.
Quick Breaks & Hustle Stats:
- Steals: 10 apiece in Sport 7.
- Blocks: We really had extra (8–3), however
- Quick Break Factors: Denver 24 to our 19. Transition protection was an issue.
Capturing Sport 6 v Sport 7:
- Discipline aim % dropped barely (50.0% → 47.6%).
- 3-point % dipped (30.8% → 29.6%).
- Free throws tanked (86.7% → 68.2%). Lacking free throws within the playoffs is a sin. Interval.
Bench vs. Starters:
The bench confirmed life, however the starters? Not a lot. It wasn’t nearly scoring, it was about vitality, urgency, and execution.
Russ Was the X-Issue (And It Harm)
Let’s discuss that man, Russell Westbrook. He knew the Clippers in and out, and in Sport 7, he appeared just like the hungriest participant on the court docket. Say what you need, however Russ got here ready, centered, and decided to show a degree. And he did.
His postgame quote hit completely different:
“We did a great job being resilient… Even with all these accidents, I believe we did a great job simply staying collectively.”
Respect. However ouch.
And What About Our Guys?
- Kawhi Leonard did what Kawhi does—led by instance and performed good. However he can’t do all of it.
- James Harden? Common-season manufacturing didn’t translate into the postseason.
- Norman Powell? Quiet, however reliable. Particularly when Kawhi sat out.
- Ivica Zubac? Regular all season however appeared misplaced at occasions when Harden struggled.
- Kris Dunn? Protection all day. A fantastic addition. However wants assist offensively
Truthfully, the roster isn’t damaged. The difficulty could lie above—on the teaching and administration stage. This staff had sufficient expertise to go deeper.
Kawhi Mentioned It Greatest
After the sport, Leonard spoke with quiet frustration:
“Might’ve given a greater effort… I don’t assume this staff is 30 factors higher than us.”
And on his offseason plans?
“To have the ability to begin coaching camp and the beginning of the season wholesome shall be nice… I’m pleased I’m wholesome popping out of the sport. I want we might’ve had a greater end result.”
So, What Now?
Clipper Nation, we’ve been by way of all of it. We’ve cried, screamed, laughed, and nonetheless confirmed up. We’ll be again subsequent season, little doubt. However what occurs within the offseason—who will get traded, who stays, who will get fired—will inform us quite a bit about whether or not this group is severe about profitable now or nonetheless ready on a sometime that by no means comes.
One factor’s for certain: we’re not giving up.
So, keep loyal. Keep humble. And preserve your Clippers blue prepared.
Subsequent season’s coming sooner than you assume.
