In the world of professional basketball, defense can make or break a team's success. The Los Angeles Clippers have faced a unique challenge this preseason with their star defender, Kawhi Leonard, sidelined due to injury. Despite this setback, the Clippers are proving that a strong defensive strategy can still shine through. Their relentless focus on defense has been evident in their preseason performances, showcasing the depth and versatility of their roster.
As the team gears up for the upcoming season, it's clear that the Clippers are not just about star power. The coaching staff, led by assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy, has instilled a gritty, defensive mindset that emphasizes teamwork and individual responsibility. This approach has resulted in impressive statistics, including a remarkable average of just 98 points allowed per game over their preseason outings.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this defensive philosophy will translate once the regular season begins. With the Clippers aiming to solidify their identity as a defensive powerhouse, the absence of Leonard could serve as a catalyst for other players to step up and showcase their skills. The upcoming games will be crucial in determining how effectively the team can maintain its defensive prowess without their star player.
Even with perhaps their best defender, Kawhi Leonard, out the entire preseason, the Clippers have still overwhelmed teams on defense.
Throughout training camp, the Clippers have made it their goal to be a tough defensive group, to make it hard on opponents to score, to be gritty and sound on defense.
“We’re getting after it defensively,” James Harden said after Monday night’s preseason win over the Dallas Mavericks.
The Clippers had 20 steals against the Mavericks. Center Ivica Zubac led the way with four and Harden and Kevin Porter Jr. had three.
Clippers assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy has been in charge of the defense and has been insisting on high-level play.
“We got to clean up some things,” Harden said. “We want to be perfect. We got Jeff Van Gundy, who’s on us every day about being perfect defensively, cause that’s like the chance that we have. So that’s our main focus, and then as you can see a little bit of glimpse of it [Monday night]. It generated some fast-break opportunities, which we converted. So that’s what we are going to hang our hats off on.”
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