The Los Angeles Clippers aren’t interested in moral victories.
Yes, they secured 50 wins in a brutal Western Conference. Yes, they finished with the league’s third-best defense. And yes, they did it despite Kawhi Leonard missing over 40% of the season and Paul George no longer being on the roster. But none of that matters to a team that came into the year chasing a title—not a participation trophy.
The Clippers’ season came to a jarring halt with a 120-101 loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 of the first round, sparking frustration and reflection rather than applause.
“Overachieve?” said Derrick Jones Jr., who emerged as a defensive anchor this season. “Absolutely not. We expected to be here—and beyond. We fell short. That’s the story.”
A defensive powerhouse that couldn’t finish
Despite the noise surrounding their roster—especially after George’s departure to Philadelphia—the Clippers carved out an identity: defense-first, grind-it-out basketball. They allowed just 108.2 points per game and finished with a 109.4 defensive rating, ranking fifth and third in the NBA, respectively.
Head coach Tyronn Lue built a team tough enough to weather early-season setbacks, but even he couldn’t hide his emotions after the Game 7 loss.
“I’m pissed off,” Lue said bluntly. “When you lose in the playoffs, it doesn’t matter what people thought about your season. You didn’t get where you wanted. That’s what stings.”
Kawhi Leonard’s health offers a silver lining
Leonard, who turned 33 this season, played just 37 games in the regular season but managed to suit up for all seven playoff contests. The good news? He’s entering the offseason healthy for the first time in years.
“To finish the year feeling like this physically is big,” Leonard said. “But I wanted a better ending. It’s not about how I feel—it’s about winning.”
Lue echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the value of starting next season with Leonard at full strength.
“That’s the goal now: get to camp with Kawhi ready to go,” Lue said. “Everything we do flows from that.”
Roster in flux, but the core remains
The Clippers already have 12 players under contract, giving them rare stability heading into the summer. Ivica Zubac had a breakout year, posting career highs across the board and proving himself as a franchise-caliber center. Norman Powell, now a vital scoring option, may seek an extension after averaging 21.8 points per game.
James Harden’s future looms large. The 10-time All-Star had a solid regular season—22.8 points and 8.7 assists—but faded in Game 7, scoring just seven points. Harden has a $36 million player option and must decide by June 29 whether to opt in or test free agency.
“It’s going to be a big decision,” one team insider said. “And one that’ll shape what this team looks like next season.”
Nicolas Batum, the team’s steady veteran presence, also has a decision to make, with a $4.9 million player option. The 36-year-old was noncommittal: “If they want me to, I’ll be back.”
Looking ahead: The window isn’t closed
With a first-round pick (29th overall), a second-rounder, and the mid-level exception available, the Clippers still have options to fine-tune the roster. And unlike past offseasons marked by uncertainty and health concerns, the mood this summer is different.
“This group isn’t broken,” said Zubac. “We had a great regular season. That was a natural step. But now it’s about going further.”
The disappointment is real. But so is the resolve. The Clippers aren’t patting themselves on the back. They’re gearing up for another shot—with a full season of Kawhi, a possible return from Harden, and the belief that this core has more to give.
“We’re not here to be a good story,” Leonard said. “We’re here to win. That hasn’t changed.”
