Charles Barkley Explains Why LA Clippers Had A Successful Season Despite Missing Out an NBA Title

Coming into the season, the LA Clippers were touted as one of the biggest challengers for the Lakers for the Western Conference throne. Despite making minimal moves, the Clippers looked relatively solid on paper.

Led by two-way beasts like Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers were impressive in the regular season. Despite being constantly stuck with an injury or two, the Clippers finished as the fourth seed in the stacked Western Conference.

Jun 22, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverley (21) celebrates with Paul George (13) and Terance Mann (14) against the Phoenix Suns in the second half during game two of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

But the Clippers did not have a solid start to their playoffs. Going down 2-0 against the Mavs, LAC looked in a lot of trouble. The Clippers made a comeback against Doncic and Co. and clinched the series in seven games.

It was the same case against the Jazz. Winning the game in six games, the Clippers finally made it to the Conference Finals. But with injury to Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers ultimately couldn’t continue their cinderella run and faltered in six games against the Suns.

Charles Barkley explains why LA Clippers had a successful season

Despite having two legitimate superstars in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers haven’t had any significant success in the playoffs so far. While they were riddled with injuries this season, many fans and pundits have been critical of the franchise’s lack of silverware.

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Hall of Famer Charles Barkley certainly doesn’t think the same. In a recent appearance at the Dan Patrick show, Chuck explained why he thinks the Clippers indeed had a good season. “Considering they had never gotten to the Conference Finals, to get their without Kawhi is a great season.”

He added, “They had never gotten to the conference Finals before and to lose your best player and get their and beat the team who were the number one seed, I think you can consider it as a success.”

With two first round picks left for the next seven years, LAC have taken a massive gamble in their future. Given that they aspire to be a championship team, Kawhi and Co. title window is closing in real fast.

Given that the teams like the Nets and the Lakers will look to add some more players to the roster, the Clippers management have to have a better supporting cast around their dynamic duo.

With Leonard likely testing free agency, the Clippers will hope that their star player re-signs. If ‘the Klaw’ and PG13 perform the way they did in this season’s playoffs, the Clippers might become champions next season. Can Ty Lue and Co. keep hold of their superstar and run-it back next season?

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