INGLEWOOD — As the LA Clippers continue their tumultuous season, they bounced back with a 103-102 win against the Golden State Warriors on Monday night. This puts them 7-1 in their last eight games, and 13-22 overall. Now only two games back of the Play-In, the Clippers’ momentum could carry them into said Play-In by the All-Star break.

How did they even arrive here in the first place? It could be a few factors — whether it wasn’t meeting pre-season expectations with their veteran loaded roster, rotation inconsistencies, or the injuries and star players sitting at pivotal times, the 2025-26 Clippers have yet to establish some sort of consistency. Or at least they were, until this most recent stretch.

Say it together: Two-Ways are important!

In that stretch, contributions have come from two players that weren’t supposed to be in the position they’re in: Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller. Sanders is a rookie, coming into this year as the 50th pick in the 2025 draft. He should be on assignment to San Diego, yet he’s been a key rotation player for LAC. As well as Miller, entering his third season trying to establish himself in the league and on his own team. 

Pivoting to Miller specifically: At the end of last season, Miller signed a 4-year contract with the Clippers, giving him some stability. They eventually waived him among the many roster changes the organization made this last offseason. However, the Clippers didn’t want to get rid of Miller entirely, so they re-signed him to one of their two-way spots.

This season, the 25 year-old guard is averaging 5.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in just over 12 minutes of action when he plays. This season he recorded a career-high 22 points against the Denver Nuggets on November 12. Last night against the Warriors, he had nine points, five rebounds and three assists. For someone who hasn’t had a consistent role, it’s outings like those that really display he can be ready to go when his number is called.

How Miller’s growth will support the Clippers

The injuries to James Harden, Derrick Jones Jr. and others have opened up the rotation minutes for guys like Miller to finally get their chance. Though he’s back on a two-way and his NBA future is not exactly certain, giving him opportunities like his game against Golden State will serve as a confidence booster. The Clippers want to compete in the playoffs, and though some would believe their current record doesn’t reflect their actual skill level, having assets like Miller long term should be viewed as a positive.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see his minutes reduced once Jones, Harden, Beal and company return, and whatever moves the Clippers potentially make at the trade deadline. But, if the Clippers continue to bet on the growth of their young guys — which they have, then Miller could be a key piece going forward.

Clippers up 51-42 on the Warriors

Kawhi leading (obviously) 14 pts 6 reb

Jordan Miller has 9 off the bench!

Curry leads for the Dubs — lots of Warriors fans in the building.

— Jared Knobloch (@jknobloch8) January 6, 2026

Los Angeles has the momentum. They played against a good Golden State team and came out on top. As they continue on with their season, maybe when the coaching staff looks down their bench they can now view guys like Miller as someone they can give minutes to. Not because they desperately need it, but because they trust that when number 22 is in the game, positive things will happen.