Many people counted the Los Angeles Clippers out after the team’s disappointing 6-21 start to the season. And it seemed like an impossible goal when head coach Ty Lue challenged his team to go 35-20 for the remainder of the season to finish the campaign at .500.
But the Clippers now have 39 wins and rank eighth in the Western Conference. Los Angeles also became the first team in NBA history to surpass the .500 mark after falling 15 or more games below it in a season.
The Clippers’ momentum continued on Sunday, as Los Angeles added a fifth game to its winning streak with a 127-113 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. After the game, Lue explained why he thinks the team has been able to bounce back from the slow start.
“I think the biggest thing is a healthy Kawhi (Leonard), that’s one,” Lue said to announcer Brian Sieman on Sunday. “And just the guys we got in the locker room, that’s what I’m most pleased about, because they could have easily gave up, they could have easily gave in …”
Leonard missed 10 games in November with a foot and ankle sprain. But since he has returned, the 2026 NBA All-Star has shined for the Clippers. Leonard has also played in 59 games, which is the second-most of his injury-filled career with the Clippers.
Mar 27, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the game winning shot against Indiana Pacers guard Aaron Nesmith (23), center Jay Huff (32) and guard Andrew Nembhard (2) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Trading for Darius Garland Has Helped The Clippers’ Comeback
Trading for former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland has also been beneficial for the Clippers this season. Since Garland’s debut with the franchise on March 2, the Clippers are 12-5.
“The stuff he’s brought to this team, it’s extraordinary,” Clippers center Brook Lopez said, per The Athletic. “Only he could do it. He’s made a huge change, a huge positive change for this group.”
Garland has averaged 21.3 points, 2.2 rebounds and seven assists in 13 games with the Clippers.
Mar 27, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; LA Clippers guard Darius Garland (10) dribbles against Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images