It’s best two video games into an 82-game season, and frustration already appears to be at the Los Angeles Clippers’ schedule. All through L.A.’s recreation in Utah in opposition to the Jazz, Kawhi Leonard’s frame language mentioned a lot more than he ever would publicly following Russell Westbrook’s game-winning shot try.
In equity to Westbrook, Leonard had simply ignored what would had been the game-winner from at the back of the arc to overcome the shot clock. The rebound bounced off the facet of the rim proper into Russ’ clutches with simply seconds final. To start with, the response is in charge Westbrook, particularly after seeing the shot arise quick. Nicholas Batum was once a couple of toes away at the wing with about 3 seconds at the clock, however at that time, a snappy choice was once had to get any shot off.
On the other hand, that isn’t the actual factor right here. This was once the second one recreation of the season. After all, you’d choose Westbrook to kick it out to Batum or get it again to Leonard, however Kawhi falling to the ground because the shot is going up is what’s grabbing everybody’s consideration. If Kawhi hadn’t fallen to the ground together with his head down, other folks would have briefly moved previous this loss. It’s the second one recreation of the yr, so it’s no longer a large deal.
This looks like just the start of a season filled with frustration, very similar to what the Lakers skilled throughout Russ’ quick tenure on that facet of Crypto.com Enviornment. The funnier phase is that the group is critically making an allowance for including James Harden to this calamity.
The Clippers will have to win numerous video games this yr irrespective of whether or not they gain Harden however including him to the combo doesn’t build up their odds of profitable a championship. And we’re no longer speaking about odds on Las Vegas making a bet traces. They’ll fortify their odds will have to that industry occur as a result of they know numerous fools will take the bait.
When it comes right down to it, this workforce’s identify window has been slammed close. Leonard and Paul George don’t play sufficient, and Westbrook gained’t be capable of select up the entire slack. On paper, including Harden turns out like a smart decision to many, however we’ve witnessed Harden within the postseason for a ways too lengthy. The deeper his groups have long gone, the much less we’ve noticed of MVP Harden. The Clippers can be at an advantage selecting up a pair of top-end position avid gamers who can are available in and give a contribution straight away, including to their intensity.
Possibly Leonard’s response to Westbrook’s shot was once taken out of context, however the optics didn’t glance excellent. Within the age of social media, that’s all it takes for one thing to take off and move viral. Dangerous frame language tells its personal tale and doesn’t look forward to a proof. This could be one thing Kawhi must transparent up with Russ as it appeared like he’d misplaced all religion in Westbrook after that one failed try. It’s tricky taking part in a whole season with some degree guard you don’t accept as true with with the ball in his fingers.
