Who is to blame?
The pundits and so-called experts on social media draw a direct line from the Clippers’ 0-3 record since the All-Star break to Russell Westbrook’s arrival.
Yet, the point guard has largely played within his game since joining the Clippers, focusing on getting the ball into the hands of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and the centers. He has 28 assists, 48 points and 17 rebounds. He also has 13 turnovers, including seven of the Clippers’ 25 in their 108-101 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.
Still, he took responsibility for not only his play but for getting others involved.
“Just got to be better, you know,” Westbrook said. “I got to be better, starting with myself, just setting the tone, got to finally get a win. It starts with me, make sure I’m better for these guys, make sure I’m better all around. I’ll be better next time.”
Who’s to blame?
Can’t pin the blame on injuries or injury management. The Clippers will have a full roster for the second time on Thursday against the Golden State Warriors with center Ivica Zubac back on the court after missing two of the three games because of a calf injury. Leonard has played more than 30 minutes per game in his past 20 contests, while George continues to push the limits of any minute restriction that he was on.
“I mean we just got to continue to drill it,” George said. “We have new guys here, new rotations, new personnel, so we’ve just got to drill it. … Once we get it, we’ll get back to what we were doing before the break (when the Clippers won 10 of 14 games).”
So, who is to blame?
A deeper dive into the team’s recent play points to several areas, starting with 63 total turnovers and a faulty defense. The Clippers have given up 498 points in their past three games.
There also is Marcus Morris Sr.’s dwindling offensive production, questionable substitutions late in the two overtime losses, and three other new players – Eric Gordon, Bones Hyland and…
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