Clippers Seek Clarity as Playoffs Approach Amid Tight Western Conference

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — As the NBA playoffs loom, the Los Angeles Clippers are navigating a tight race for playoff positioning in the Western Conference, currently standing at 47-32 following a hard-fought 122-117 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night.

The Clippers, who have won five straight games and 15 of their last 18, find themselves in a four-way tie for playoff seeds five through eight, just a half-game behind the Denver Nuggets. With only three games left in the regular season, the stakes remain high as every game could determine their playoff destiny.

“We have a chance to dictate our own playoff future,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said in a halftime talk that sparked his team’s second-half performance against the Spurs. “I know a few of the guys were tired, but the others stepped up.”

Star guard James Harden, who contributed 21 points and 12 assists in the game, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of performing under pressure: “You got to go out there, perform and win games. If you don’t, you end up being an eight seed and having to plan for the Play-In Tournament.”

The Clippers face a significant challenge ahead, including matchups against the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors, both playoff-bound teams. The Rockets have secured the No. 2 seed but are waiting to see their potential playoff opponent, which may depend on the outcome of the Play-In Tournament.

“We’ve got to get in the playoffs first before we can even think about a championship run,” said two-time NBA champion Kawhi Leonard, who posted 29 points against the Spurs. His performance earned him Western Conference Player of the Week honors for the tenth time in his career. “It’s important to focus on the present.”

Despite their recent success, vulnerabilities have emerged, particularly on the defensive end, raising concerns within the team’s coaching staff. After allowing 117 points each to two short-handed opponents, Lue is seeking more attention to detail as the playoffs approach.

“When you go into a game thinking you can win every night, it reflects the confidence this team has,” Lue said. “It’s a special group that’s figuring it out.”

Clippers center Ivica Zubac further solidified his status as an emerging force, notching a double-double with 24 points and 20 rebounds. He remains a strong candidate for the NBA All-Defense team, showcasing his importance in the team’s playoff aspirations.

The Spurs, contending without their two star players—Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox—struggled and were ultimately knocked out of postseason contention, with Harrison Barnes leading the Spurs with 24 points, including six threes.

“We knew we didn’t like the way we played defensively in the first half,” said guard Norman Powell, who added 25 points to the win. “Being able to push the lead comfortably in the second half was a big momentum swing for us.”

With only three regular-season games remaining, the Clippers aim to solidify their playoff position and enter the postseason on a high note. They will next face the Rockets at home before continuing to fight for the key playoff spots.