What We Have Learned from the Clippers First 12 Games
The first twelve games of the season have shown the Los Angeles Clippers as a team in transition, still dangerous, but still searching for consistency. With stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden leading the way, expectations are high, yet early results underscore how much the roster must still gel. The schedule has revealed a squad that can lock down defensively for stretches, but also one whose offense bogs down and lacks a reliable second gear. This opening stretch is a story of promise tempered by reality.
When Kawhi is on the court, the Clippers resemble a veteran playoff-caliber unit: organized sets, tough defense, and the ability to grind out close wins. In games where he sits or is limited, the offense often becomes stagnant and lacks the playmaking edge it needs. Harden does his best to pick up the slack, yet without consistent off-ball movement and spacing from other contributors, the team has struggled to sustain momentum. That split identity, between the Kawhi-led lineup and the “rest of the minutes” lineup, remains the biggest narrative so far.
In the frontcourt, the pairing of Ivica Zubac and John Collins has emerged as a stabilizing force. Zubac continues to provide interior toughness, rebound control, and rim protection, while Collins offers athleticism, spacing, and a boost on the glass. Their chemistry has helped prevent the Clippers from sliding into some of the interior defensive holes of past seasons. Still, the team lacks depth behind those two, and when either rests, the drop-off has already been visible.
Young players are also starting to show their worth, particularly Jordan Miller and Bogdan Bogdanović. Miller’s defensive instincts and length have given the Clippers more flexibility in switching, while Bogdanović’s scoring and off-ball movement have added needed punch. Their improvements are encouraging, because for the Clippers to contend, they’ll need more than just the stars carrying the load.
After twelve games, the story of the Clippers is clear: they are competitive, but far from complete. Their ceiling remains high thanks to the talent on the roster and the defensive potential they’ve shown. The floor has been raised compared to prior seasons, largely due to growth across the board. What we’ve learned is this: if they can smooth out their offensive flow, get consistent production from the bench, and keep their stars healthy, they’ll be a contender. If not, they risk getting stuck in that frustrating “almost there” zone.
