Felicia Enriquez, aka Mynt J, is the host of the podcast BlackLove and Basketball – Compton Edition. She is a Clippers fan, an NBA credentialed creator representing thePeachBasket. In this article, From Underrated to Unstoppable: How the Clippers Are Built for a Deep Playoff Run, she gets Clipper Nation ready for the Playoffs with a break down of the first series against Denver.
Clippers vs. Nuggets: The Battle of the Underdogs – Who Will Reign Supreme?
Clipper Nation, are we excited yet? The Clippers have finished the regular season at a solid 50-32, securing the 5th spot in the Western Conference. The Lakers and Denver both have the same record, but that doesn’t mean they’re better, right? They just got a head start. The Clippers are facing Spicy Nuggets in the first Round of the playoffs.
The Clippers have shown they can win any which way: blowouts, home games, road games, close games, slow games, you name it, Clippers in five. I hope you laughed. Whether it’s a clutch overtime victory or a dominant offensive explosion, this team has proven they can deliver the goods. But it’s not just about winning, it’s about the style, the flair, and that signature Clippers swagger. They’ve been turning heads, making statements, and, most importantly, showing that when they’re clicking, they can hang with anyone in the league.
And now, as the team heads into their first playoff game, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Clippers are here to show up and remind everyone why they deserve to be feared in the West. The energy is electric, the competition is fierce, and the Clippers are ready to make some noise.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Expectations were low at the start of the season, with many predicting the Clippers would only win 35 games. But they exceeded those expectations with 50 wins. Once again, the Clippers have been underestimated—sound familiar?
This team is built on multiple facets. You’ve got Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Ivica Zubac, and Norman Powell, who has held it down during Kawhi’s absence. When the season started, fans were upset that Kawhi wasn’t playing. It was the same old story: “Here we go again.” But realistically, when would you rather have Kawhi play—at the beginning of the season or during the playoffs? The Clippers are solid without Kawhi, but they’re a whole lot stronger with him. And let’s be real—when it comes to the playoffs, people are downright afraid of Kawhi.
Kawhi Leonard: The King of Los Angeles
Kawhi Leonard played 37 games this season, averaging 21.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.6 steals in 31.9 minutes. He shot 49.8% from the field, 41.1% from three, and 81.0% from the free-throw line. Leonard scored in double figures in 35 out of 37 games, including 24 games with 20+ points and four 30-point performances. Simply put, Kawhi brings a different level of intensity to the postseason—he’s a beast when it matters most. And with the narrative about his health finally put to rest, there’s no more worrying about whether he’s ready. He’s locked in for the playoffs.
James Harden: A Playoff Vet
James Harden, who has never missed a playoff appearance, has been pivotal in making sure his team stays successful. He appeared in 79 games, averaging 22.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 5.8 rebounds in 35.3 minutes. Harden has always been a consistent playoff performer, and with him on board, the Clippers now have a bona fide postseason star who can shoulder the load when needed. He brings leadership, experience, and that clutch gene when the lights are brightest.
Ivica Zubac: The Backbone of the Defense
Big Zu is the unsung hero who holds down the paint and protects the rim. Since coming to the Clippers in 2018/19, he’s grown into one of the most dominant centers in the league. This season, Zubac averaged career highs of 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 80 games. He’s one of only four players to post four 20/20 games this season, tying the franchise record. With a field-goal percentage of 62.8%, Zubac’s impact goes beyond just scoring. He’s a true defensive anchor and is signed through 2027-28, ensuring the Clippers have a solid foundation in the middle for years to come.
Clippers vs. Nuggets: Regular-Season Showdown
This season, the Clippers split the season series 2–2 with the Nuggets. LA won the first two matchups, but Denver took the last two. So, does that mean the Nuggets have the upper hand going into the playoffs? Let’s not be too quick to assume.
The Nuggets’ Coaching Change: What Does It Mean?
Denver won the NBA Championship in 2022-23, but after the title, things started to slip in the Nuggets’ locker room. Players became complacent, and the team’s intensity dropped. Russell Westbrook was let go by the LA Clippers and picked up by Denver in July 2024, with Jokić specifically wanting him to come to Denver. Jokić believed Westbrook could bring the energy and hustle that was missing in their championship-winning locker room.
Westbrook’s relentless work ethic and passion for the game were the perfect antidote for a team that had grown complacent. While Westbrook’s game isn’t perfect, his intensity and hustle could reignite Denver’s momentum.
However, we can’t forget about Russ’s roots as an LA native. When he was with the Clippers, we loved him. The way he brought heart and energy to the floor, despite the struggles, made him a fan favorite. He was often mistreated by the other LA team, and it felt like he was scapegoated in the locker room—labeled as the bad guy. It was hard to see him go when he was traded, especially given the connection the fans had with him. But the Clippers ultimately got a good exchange in Kris Dunn.
Dunn, acquired from the Utah Jazz in exchange for Russell Westbrook, has proven to be a solid defensive presence. This season, Dunn has ranked third in total steals (128) and fourth in steals per game (1.74). His defense has been a breath of fresh air for the Clippers, and he’s quickly becoming a fan favorite. Fans are excited to see what Dunn can contribute in the playoffs—especially in situations where defense is key. We may see Dunn versus Westbrook in a showdown, and it could be a critical matchup for both teams.
What About Denver? Are They Done?
Denver has already captured an NBA Championship with Jokić leading the charge. But with the recent changes, are they able to dominate? I say don’t ever underestimate an underdog. I believe the Clippers to be the underdog, but right now, I think Denver is only because they lost their head coach and the tension in the locker room, however it could be motivation, hence underdog. One thing to note is that Denver relies heavily on Jokić, and while he’s an incredibly versatile player, he’s not invincible. He can wear down over the course of a game, especially when faced with aggressive defenses.
The Clippers’ job will be to force Jokić to make tough shots and anticipate his passes. They need to slow him down, keeping him from controlling the tempo and making plays for others. Defensively, the Clippers need to close out on shooters like Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray, and they need to neutralize Denver’s fast break opportunities. The Nuggets can thrive in transition, but if the Clippers can slow the game down and force them into a half-court set, they’ll have the advantage.
The Clippers Are Built For a Deep Playoff Run: The Bottom Line
There’s no other team in the West that takes more heat from everyone than the Clippers. They’re tough, scrappy, hard, and peaking at the right time. They’ve been connected—and continue to connect more and more—and are ready to fight for what they’ve been working so hard for.
Yes, the Nuggets are the defending champs, and yes, Jokić is a dominant force. But the Clippers have the tools to compete with them. This series comes down to matchups, and the Clippers need to focus on executing at a high level. With a healthy Kawhi, Harden, Zubac, and the rest of the team locked in, they have everything they need to go toe-to-toe with Denver.
The ultimate goal is simple: play smart, make the right adjustments, and execute on both ends of the floor. The Clippers have the pieces to succeed, but they need to stay consistent and focused. One game at a time.
The playoffs are a different beast, and with the right mindset, the Clippers could make a deep run. The series against Denver will be a true test of their championship aspirations.
Clipper fans, are we glad we traded Paul George and do you think we would of made it this far with him?
