The Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns are heading in markedly different directions as the NBA season approaches the quarter-mark.
Clippers drop fourth straight despite Leonard’s return
The Clippers have lost four consecutive games since Kawhi Leonard rejoined the lineup, falling to 5-15 after Sunday’s home defeat to the struggling Dallas Mavericks. Head coach Tyronn Lue said the current campaign has been “tough,” even compared with the franchise’s recent injury-plagued seasons. Lue has shuffled multiple lineups without success, while an aging roster and an impatient fan base have intensified calls for major changes, including speculation about his own job security.
“We’re not making shots offensively,” guard James Harden said. “Defensively, we allow too many game-plan mistakes.”
Wembanyama runs “The Jackals” while rehabbing calf strain
Rookie center Victor Wembanyama, sidelined by a calf strain, has taken charge of a new Spurs supporter section dubbed “The Jackals.” The 19-year-old created the group himself and selected its captains, leading cheers from the sideline during his recovery. Assistant coach Mitch Johnson praised Wembanyama’s involvement, saying, “His actions back up his words.”
Suns rebound from 1-4 start
Phoenix has flipped its early narrative, posting an 11-5 record since opening 1-4. At 12-9 overall, the Suns hold seventh place in the Western Conference despite ongoing injury issues. Head coach Frank Vogel’s club continues to find ways to win, outperforming preseason expectations that had them missing the playoffs.
The three teams’ contrasting fortunes highlight the unpredictability of the West as the season progresses.
Source: Hoops Wire
