The Clippers entered this season with questions about their defensive ceiling. Could this roster, retooled around a new core, find the kind of cohesion that turns good defenders into a great defense?
Through the first quarter of the season, the answer was unclear. The team ranked in the middle of the pack defensively, giving up too many open threes and struggling in transition defense. But over the last month, something has shifted.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Since January 15th, the Clippers rank 6th in defensive rating at 108.2 points allowed per 100 possessions. That's a significant improvement from their season-opening 112.4 mark. The switch coverage has tightened up, and the help rotations are arriving on time.
What Changed?
Three things stand out:
- Communication — The on-court chatter has increased noticeably. Players are calling out screens earlier and directing traffic.
- Scheme adjustments — The coaching staff has moved away from drop coverage on pick-and-rolls, opting for more aggressive hedging.
- Personnel — The rotation has settled, and players know their roles.
Looking Ahead
If this defensive trajectory holds, the Clippers could be a very tough out in the playoffs. The offense has enough firepower to win games, but it's the defense that will determine how far this team goes.
The next test comes against the top-5 offenses on the upcoming road trip. That stretch will tell us whether this defensive improvement is real or just a product of a favorable schedule.
