Los Angeles Clippers are warming up at the right time and one former NBA champion believes they are the biggest challenge for Oklahoma City Thunder at the Western Conference.
Kendrick Perkins, ESPN analyst and former NBA player, recently named Clippers, not Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets or Los Angeles Lakers, as Thunder’s most difficult opponent.
“It’s a LA team and it’s not Lakers. It’s Los Angeles Clippers”
Kendrick Perkins reveals who believes he is the biggest threat to the thunder right now
(over @Epnnba)pic.twitter.com/eyyyimane0– Clutchpoints (@cutchpoints) 3rd April 2025
Clippers’ PlayOffs pushes on dynamics
Clippers have a record of 44-32 and are tied to Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies for Seed No. 6. If the end of the season today, they will host a 7/8 game game against Grizzlies. Yet, when there are six games left, the clippers are on the mission to escape the tournament in playing completely and secure the straight bed. Their latest victory 114-98 over New Orleans Pelicans strengthens its place for seed no. 6.
Kawhi Leonard tonight:
28 points – 3 Reb – 3 AST – 2 STL – 61% FG
James Harden tonight:
21 points – 10 AST – 3 BLK – 1 STL – 50% FG pic.twitter.com/oisu5e4ycy– Hoop Central (@Thehoopcentral) 3rd April 2025
No western team wants to play Thunder in the first round and Clippers would like to keep them away. Perkins, however, claim that Clippers are actually the best team for taking over OKC.
Perkins’ courageous claims: Clippers are built to beat thunder
During the performance at Sportscenter Perkins, he explained why he believes that Clippers were the biggest obstacle to Thunder.
“It’s a LA team and they’re not Lakers. It’s Los Angeles Clippers,” Perkins said.
“This is a team that has one of Tyronn Lue’s best coaches. This is a team that has James Harden, who has been packing for the whole season.
Clipper’s power
Perkins also pointed out that Clippers had a valuable depth that could change the Play -off series. He mentioned players like Nicolas Batum, Norman Powell, whom he believes should be all-star, and Derrick Jones Jr., who has the finals of his time with Dallas Mavericks last season.
“With their combination of stellar power and experience, Clippers could be a nightmare for Thunder,” Perkins added. “Actually, I have them like my sleeper at the Western Conference.”
Los Angeles won 12 of his last 15 games, including four of his last five, showing that they play their best basketball when Postseason is coming. Kawhi Leonard led their way in their last victory against Pelicans with 28 points, while James Harden contributed 21 points, 10 assists and three blocks. Ivica Zubac contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds and continued the balanced team attack.
There are only a few games left in the regular season, Clippers will try to get into the ranking and stay outside the tournament. Whether they may face a thunder or the highest seed, Perkins feels that they are ready for the task.
Clippers will host Dallas Mavericks on Friday evening. Meanwhile, the Pelicans remain in Los Angeles to accept the Lakers in the decisive match as they try to ensure their own play -off.
Published:
Aashish vashistha
Published on:
3rd April 2025
