Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The 2025–26 season has come down to a tense, defining stretch for the Los Angeles Clippers, who find themselves locked into the Western Conference play-in tournament picture.
It’s not where the franchise envisioned being at the start of the year, but it’s exactly where they must prove their resilience.
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The team overcame a 6-21 start to the season and climbed all the way back to the play-in position. On some nights, they’ve looked like true contenders—moving the ball crisply, defending with purpose, and leaning on their veteran leadership to close out games. On others, they’ve struggled to maintain rhythm, dropping winnable matchups that now loom large in the standings.
Still, the play-in tournament offers a lifeline. Rather than fading quietly into the offseason, the Clippers have a clear, immediate goal: survive and advance. With young talent and superstar Kawhi Leonard, the team has a good chance of winning the play-in game and advancing in the playoffs.
What the Clippers have shown throughout this season is resilience and mental toughness in every single game they’ve played.
Tags: Clippers John Collins kawhi leonard Los Angeles Clippers nba Ty Lue