Clippers’ Slow-Tempo Revival Headlines Pacific Division Updates
pacific-division-roundup-clippers-raynaud-schroder-post-jan-3-2026
The Los Angeles Clippers have flipped a disastrous 6-21 opening stretch into a six-game winning streak by embracing an even slower style of play. Despite ranking last in pace during the run, the club now sits first in both offensive and defensive rating and leads the NBA in free-throw attempt rate while allowing the fewest three-point tries.
Head coach Tyronn Lue attributed the turnaround to humility, hard work, attention to detail and unselfishness. “The ball’s going to find Kawhi (Leonard) and James (Harden); it’s going to get back to them eventually,” Lue said, praising his players for remaining committed when “our back was against the wall.”
Leonard has scored 40-plus points three times during the streak—he had never topped that mark more than twice in an entire season. The return of Derrick Jones Jr. from an MCL sprain has strengthened the point-of-attack defense alongside Kris Dunn, while John Collins is posting his top rebounding numbers of the year and Nicolas Batum continues to dominate his minutes.
“Everybody’s urgency just went up,” Dunn said. “We’re getting into the thick of the season, and we want to turn things around.”
Kings’ Raynaud Cleared of Structural Damage
An MRI revealed no structural damage to the left leg of Sacramento Kings rookie center Maxime Raynaud, who had to be helped off the court after a fourth-quarter collision on Friday, a source told the Sacramento Bee.
Schröder Unworried by Trade Deadline
Kings guard Dennis Schröder said he never feels anxious as the trade deadline approaches, despite multiple past trades. “I always give everything for whoever I’m playing for,” he told KCRA News, adding that he plays “for myself first, for my family and then of course for the organization.”
Kerr Patient with Post’s Perimeter Dip
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed no concern over second-year center Quinten Post’s declining three-point percentage, which has fallen from 40.8% last season to 33.3% this year. “The game has to slow down,” Kerr said, noting that confidence typically grows with experience.
Source: Hoops Rumors
