The Los Angeles Clippers are supposed to be in contention to win an NBA title season after signing Doc Rivers to be the new head coach and making significant upgrades to their roster. If they are going to make it all they way through the Western Conference, they will have to top the Oklahoma City Thunder first. Los Angeles' first test with the conference favorites comes Wednesday night.
Last season, the Clippers did not fare well against the Thunder. Two of their six 36-home game losses came by way of Oklahoma City. Chris Paul only managed to average 17.5 points, shooting just 28.6 percent. Russell Westbrook on the other hand overaged 26.0 points per game. The Clippers are certainly hoping this year is different.
Offensively, the Clippers are doing well. Paul has put up a double-double in each of the team's first eight games. Blake Griffin is coming off a game where he put up 25 points and 10 rebounds. However, defensively, the Clippers are struggling. Four of their last six games have been decided by single digits. Their best performance has come against Minnesota where the team held the Timberwolves to just 41.7 percent shooting, but most opponents are averaging 48.5 shooting percentage.
The Thunder has perfected the art of closing a game. The team is averaging 31.0 points in the fourth quarter during their latest win streak. Offensively, the team is making the most of their second-chance opportunities. They are averaging 12.8 points per game. Serge Ibaka is playing a large role hat, averaging 3.5 a game.
The two teams are working towards being the top team in the conference. Outside of Houston, they both have the best shot, so Wednesday's matchup should be interesting.
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