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 Got Embarrassed To End 2024
Dec 31, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball against San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (10) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images | Daniel Dunn/Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Clippers End 2024 with Disappointing Loss to Spurs: What Went Wrong?
The LA Clippers closed out 2024 in disastrous fashion, suffering a 122-86 blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs. This game was effectively over by the middle of the third quarter, raising questions about the team’s effort and focus heading into the new year.
From the opening tip, it was clear the Clippers weren’t playing with their usual intensity. James Harden led the team with 17 points, but his process was concerning. He dominated possession, dribbling excessively and often passing as a last resort late in the shot clock. This stagnant offense left teammates like Norman Powell standing around, unable to get into a rhythm.
Victor Wembanyama dominated for the Spurs, finishing with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks in just 26 minutes. The Clippers’ strategy of letting Wemby shoot threes until he got hot backfired, as he went 9-for-12 from inside the arc. His improved ability to punish smaller defenders was on full display.
The Clippers’ shooting woes were a major factor, as they hit just 34.5% from the field compared to the Spurs’ 49%. The rebounding battle was also lopsided, with San Antonio grabbing 58 boards to LA’s 41. Turnovers further compounded the issues, with the Clippers coughing it up 14 times to the Spurs’ 9.
Looking ahead, there are legitimate questions about the roles of Kevin Porter Jr. and Mo Bamba in the rotation. KPJ’s ball-stopping tendencies and inconsistent shooting have become a concern, while Bamba has yet to show he can contribute meaningfully at the NBA level. It may be time to give extended looks to players like Bones Hyland and Kai Jones instead.
Despite this disappointing loss, it’s important to maintain perspective. The Clippers are still 19-14 and sitting in the 6th seed in the competitive Western Conference. With Kawhi Leonard’s return on the horizon and a full season ahead at the new Intuit Dome, 2025 could still be a landmark year for the franchise.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Clippers’ performance against the Spurs, tune into the Locked On Clippers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Clippers Podcast:
• Ivica Zubac’s surprising free throw struggles this season
• The potential impact of Terance Mann’s return to the lineup
• Looking ahead to the upcoming matchup against the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder
The Orlando Magic are giving a one-fingered salute to the universe
Dec 26, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) dunks during the second half against the Miami Heat at Kia Center. | Mike Watters/Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic will never stop.
Injuries have piled up like rush hour traffic near the Disney parks. Orlando’s three best offensive players — Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Mo Wagner — are all out, the first two with rare torn oblique injuries and the latter for the season with a torn ACL. They should be dead and buried, with the funeral service concluded long ago.
Instead, the Magic keep raging, sticking out their middle fingers to the basketball gods who seem determined to throw every obstacle imaginable in their path. They’re 3-3 in the six games since the elder Wagner’s injury (including the win in which he went down in the first quarter), pairing a defense that gets more ferocious after each blow with an offense that has cobbled together just enough points to keep things interesting.
Jalen Suggs has become the de facto number-one option, a role he is ill-suited for. Suggs is shooting 41% from the field and 31% from deep, but you’d never know fromthe 37% usage (a monstrous figure) he’s posted in the last six games. The Magic’s offense looks best when someone else can help him out. Rookie Tristan da Silva has been the unlikely second banana many nights — he’s had five games in his last eight of at least 15 points after only notching one such performance in his first 23. Consistency, unfortunately, is hard to find; da Silva also had two games in his last three where he scored exactly zero points.
But there are still plenty of reasons for concern.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Prediction The 2025 NBA mock draft features pro comparisons and predictions, offering insights into potential future Clippers stars. Read the draft predictions. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis Every NBA team’s biggest regret from 2024 is examined, providing a deep dive into the Clippers’ significant decision-making moments. Uncover the full analysis. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Clippers head to OKC to take on the Thunder tonight at 8 PM ET. Read the preview. (NBA)
Fantasy Basketball Implications of Jaden Ivey’s Injury
Jan 1, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) grabs his leg as he falls to the court after being injured against the Orlando Magic in the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel/Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The start of 2025 in the NBA has been nothing short of chaotic, with injuries taking centre stage. Jaden Ivey’s injury is particularly concerning, as it appears to be quite serious. The Detroit Pistons guard was having a strong game with 22 points and five three-pointers before the unfortunate incident. The severity of the injury suggests that Ivey might be sidelined for the remainder of the season, which is a significant blow to the Pistons and fantasy managers alike.
Fantasy Implications of Ivey’s Injury
With Ivey potentially out for the season, the Pistons will need to adjust their lineup. Ausar Thompson is likely to see an increase in minutes and responsibilities. Thompson’s ability to contribute across various categories makes him a valuable pickup in fantasy leagues. While his shooting may be inconsistent, his defensive stats and hustle play could provide a much-needed boost to fantasy rosters.
Malik Beasley might also see an uptick in playing time, although his recent performances have been less than stellar. Beasley is primarily a points and threes contributor, and his role could expand in Ivey’s absence. For those in deeper leagues, Marcus Sasser could become a viable option, especially if Cade Cunningham faces any setbacks.
Click the button below to see who’s rising and falling on the Bulls and Wizards.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Clippers podcasts.
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