the biggest dark horse in the west?
The competition in the Western Conference has been nothing short of sensational. The top eight seeds in the west can knock off each other and reach the NBA finals. Yes, even the Oklahoma City Thunder, who own the best record in the NBA currently sitting at 66-14. They could end up playing the Golden State Warriors in the first round. Usually, as the number one seed, the first-round matchup is not as difficult as the second-round and conference finals. Golden State is a team people are picking to represent the West in the NBA finals. So, seeing a title contender in the first round is not ideal. That is how competitive the Western Conference is.
One team has been flying under the radar and is quietly starting to turn some heads. The biggest Dark Horse to represent the Western Conference, are the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Los Angeles Clippers came into this season with no expectations. Their ceiling was to be in the play-in tournament, potentially barely sneaking into the playoffs. Kawhi Leonard was sidelined due to injury for the first half of the season. The team was put on the back of James Harden. He was able to carry this team to a 19-15 record while awaiting the return of their superstar player. Although it took some time for Kawhi to get back in a groove, the Clippers are playing some of their best basketball right now and at the right time with the playoffs being a couple of weeks away.
The Clippers have won 16 of their last 19 games and currently sit at the five seed in the Western Conference. With two games remaining in the season, the Clippers are looking to avoid the play-in and remain in the top 6 spots in the West.
Along with James Harden having a good season, Kawhi Leonard is starting to look like the superstar we know him to be. In the last 19 games, Kawhi has scored 20+ points in 18 of those games. Ivica Zubac is having a career year. He has posted 57 double-doubles this season, which is tied for third only behind Domantas Sabonis and Nikola Jokic. The Clippers have been riding their defense all season and their defense is what is helping them win all these games. Since March 5th, the Clippers have the number one defensive rating in the Western Conference and third in the entire league.
Los Angeles ends the season with the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors. That final game with the Warriors will likely decide the outcome of the final standings in the West. Currently, the three and eight seeds are separated by 2.5 games. One game can decide whether a team gains home-court advantage in the first round or must play in the play-in tournament just to make the playoffs.
Geoffrey Huggins
DiSportsPhotoAgency
Writer
