Darian Vaziri here, the host of the daily Locked On Clippers podcast, with your daily Locked On Clippers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Clippers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
How The LA Clippers Have Been So Good With James Harden Struggling
Nov 11, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) fight for the ball during the fourth quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images|Alonzo Adams/Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Clippers’ Resilience: Navigating Challenges with James Harden and Key Players
The Los Angeles Clippers have managed to maintain a record above .500, even with James Harden’s shooting struggles. Despite his current shooting percentages of 36% from the field and 31% from three-point range, Harden’s impact on the team extends beyond these numbers. His ability to create opportunities in the half-court offense has been crucial, especially given the limited shot creators on the roster. Harden’s nine assists per game highlight his role as a playmaker, and his rebounding efforts have been vital in a team lacking a traditional power forward.
The Rise of Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac
Norman Powell has emerged as a key player, averaging 26 points per game with impressive shooting splits. His ability to capitalize on the opportunities created by Harden has been a game-changer. Powell’s aggressive play and shooting accuracy, particularly from beyond the arc, have been instrumental in the Clippers’ success. His defensive contributions further solidify his importance to the team.
Ivica Zubac’s development has also been significant. With increased playing time, Zubac is averaging 17 points and 13 rebounds per game. His improved post-game and chemistry with Harden in pick-and-roll situations have elevated his performance. Zubac’s ability to maintain high-level play consistently has been a revelation, providing the Clippers with a reliable presence in the paint.
The Clippers’ ability to stay competitive despite Harden’s shooting woes is a testament to the contributions of Powell and Zubac. Their performances have been pivotal in maintaining the team’s standing in the league. As the season progresses, the potential for improvement in Harden’s shooting efficiency could further enhance the Clippers’ prospects.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Clippers’ strategies and player performances, tune into the Locked On Clippers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Clippers Podcast:
- The importance of the upcoming games against the Houston Rockets
- Analysis of the Clippers’ defensive strategies
- The impact of coaching changes on team performance
- Predictions and expectations for the rest of the season
Klay Thompson’s homecoming to The Bay started well before he hit the floor last night at Oracle with the Mavs and roughly 19,000 fans started waving nautical Captain hats.
It started mid-way through last season, when Golden State didn’t signal they’d immediately be resigning Thompson as the franchise had, up to then, always been in a hurry to. There were shades of it along with Thompson’s frustrations in his game changing, the splashy shots not falling as fluidly as they used to. Clues came in the way the Warriors felt their frustrations as a team: once together, a cohesive unit, and then splintering and individually.
“Even from July, when Klay decided to go to Dallas to us showing up for training camp and him not being here, it was kind of like a slow build to this night for everybody,” Warriors point guard, Steph Curry, said after last night’s game.
Basketball isn’t played in a vacuum, and Curry sharing the psychic and emotional timeline of the team underscores that in a rare glimpse behind the curtain. Sometimes its brightest full-circle moments have to struggle through discomfort, angst and loss in order to come back around. Often, the storylines with the most ups and downs are the ones that end the most cathartically.
Since this season began, Thompson’s been candid about how necessary the move to Dallas was for him. “Every pro athlete’s human, and uncertainty can bear on you,” he told ESPN prior to Tuesday night’s homecoming game.
“Honestly, it’s rejuvenated me and done something I needed bad just for my mental [state] and my career,” Thompson said.
It’s a knife’s edge between animosity for an athlete’s who’s left a franchise they share a storied history with and sympathy for their decision. What tips fans to one side or the other can skew personal, so isn’t always easy to predict, but Thompson’s tendency toward honesty helps. He’s always been someone who wears what he’s feeling on the floor openly, and for that fans — for the most part — respond with empathy. There’s a sense that through all the years he played for the Warriors there was an open conduit of conversation between him and the fanbase.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Fantasy Basketball Takeaways From Tuesday - Robert Williams Day
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) shoots the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the first half at Moda Center. |Photo by Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Tuesday’s NBA games offered a wealth of insights for fantasy basketball managers. Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways and strategic moves you should consider:
Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic
- Grant Williams: With his move to the starting lineup, Williams is a viable short-term pickup, especially while the Hornets deal with injuries. His ability to contribute in multiple categories makes him a solid addition in deeper leagues.
- Moussa Diabate: Diabate’s rebounding prowess is noteworthy, especially with the Hornets’ frontcourt injuries. He’s a strong option for those in need of rebounds in deeper formats.
- Franz Wagner: Wagner’s performance underscores his value, particularly with Paolo Banchero out. Consider selling high if you can get a top-tier player in return, as his current production may dip once Banchero returns.
Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons
- Tyler Herro: After a 40-point explosion, Herro is a prime sell-high candidate. His shooting percentages are unlikely to sustain, so capitalise on his current form to bolster your roster.
- Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey: Both players showed their potential to fill the stat sheet. Cunningham remains a must-start, while Ivey’s bounce-back game suggests he’s worth holding onto for his upside.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Clippers podcasts.
Why Addition By Subtraction Is Reigning True For Norman Powell Norman Powell’s explosive performance lights up the court as the Los Angeles Clippers continue their impressive run. With Powell scoring 31 points and grabbing 12 rebounds for his first career double-double, the Clippers’ dominance is undeniable. How are they achieving such success on the road?
How The LA Clippers Lost Their First Road Game Of The Season The Los Angeles Clippers lost their first road game of the season, marred by 24 turnovers and a dismal 69% free throw shooting, compared to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s impressive 96%. James Harden, despite his near triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists, struggled with shooting and turnovers. Terance Mann’s hesitance on offense and Norman Powell’s explosive 29-point second half are key talking points. Ivica Zubac’s effective post play, especially in the second half, offers a glimmer of hope for the Clippers’ strategy versus small ball going forward.
In this episode, die hard LA Clippers fan and Host Darian Vaziri talks about what two things cost the Clippers the game. He also discusses James Harden’s recent performance and the increasing frustration with Terance Mann’s lack of aggression.
How The LA Clippers Won Their Fourth Straight
Join die hard Clipper fan and Host Darian Vaziri as we explore the Clippers’ defensive personnel and what they’re great at, Norman Powell’s scoring surge, and James Harden’s impact. Discover how the team plans to address their late-game challenges. Don’t miss this chance to gain unique insights into the Clippers’ path to success.
