Los Angeles Clippers' Quarter Mark Report Card

By Terri Washington

Los Angeles' Quarter Mark Report Card

Clippers Report Card
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The Los Angeles Clippers have played 21 games of the 82 in the season. They struggled slightly in the beginning of the season but have cleaned up their act. Their current win streak is helping them climb up the conference ladder to take their hard earned place atop the Western conference. After evaluating every aspect of the team, grades are in order. This is the Clippers' quarter mark report.

Bench: C+

Clippers Bench
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Bench: C+

Clippers Bench
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The Clippers' bench has been disappointing so far with the exception of Jamal Crawford and new addition Spencer Hawes. The bench isn’t contributing or performing to the needs of the team. Too much pressure is being put on the starters to give the team huge leads so that if the poor performing bench doesn’t rebound well enough or get enough stops the Clippers will still win the game.

Offense: A

Chris Paul Offense
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Offense: A

Chris Paul Offense
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The Clippers' offensive efficiency has kept them afloat in the Western Conference. The team is averaging over 110 points for every 100 possessions. They are ranked at third amongst all teams in the league in offense.

Defense: B-

Deandre Jordan Defense
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Defense: B-

Deandre Jordan Defense
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The Clippers' defense is what has been holding them back this season. The Clippers have never been great on defense, but now that they are looked at as a premier team in the league, their defensive efficiency needs to show that idea. The Clippers are ranked 11th in the league in defense. They allow their opponents to score over 102 points per 100 possessions.

Coaching: A

Clippers Coach Rivers
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Coaching: A

Clippers Coach Rivers
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Doc Rivers is one of the most celebrated coaches in the league. Even through the early season struggles, Rivers wasn’t criticized for his players’ poor play. Rivers spoke of nearly every struggle in a positive manner. He told Los Angeles media early in the season, when the Clippers were 5-4, that they were in the same predicament last season as well. Last season ended up being the best season in franchise history.

Star Players: A

Clippers Star Players
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Star Players: A

Clippers Star Players
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The Clippers' star players, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and Deandre Jordan, have each elevated their games during the offseason. Specifically, Griffin has improved nearly every facet of his game. Griffin, Paul and Jordan are carrying the team on their backs and doing a good job of it.

Overall Grade: A-

Clippers Quarter Grade
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Overall Grade: A-

Clippers Quarter Grade
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The Clippers are currently 16-5 on the season. They are ranked fifth in the conference and second in their division. The first few weeks of the season don’t reflect the Clippers as a whole. Their progress and win streak has gone unnoticed, but after the first 21 games last season, the Clippers were 13-8. The Clippers are actually better now than last year, and for their progress the team receives an A-.

Terri Washington is a Los Angeles Clippers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @Terri7589, “Like” her on Facebook or add her to your network on Google

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