The Los Angeles Clippers, entering their March 23, 2025, matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 39-30 record, have recently demonstrated a resurgence that has reignited their postseason aspirations. Winning eight of their last nine games, the Clippers have showcased a blend of veteran experience and strategic adjustments that have propelled them up the Western Conference standings. Central to this revival is the dynamic duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Leonard, overcoming previous injury setbacks, has returned to his elite form, averaging 26.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. His defensive prowess remains a cornerstone of the Clippers’ strategy, often tasked with neutralizing the opposing team’s primary offensive threats. George complements Leonard’s efforts, contributing 24.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, while also providing versatility on defense. Their synergy on the court has been instrumental in the Clippers’ recent success, creating matchup nightmares for opponents. The supporting cast has also risen to the occasion. Norman Powell’s scoring off the bench has provided a significant boost, averaging 17.3 points per game with efficient shooting splits. Ivica Zubac’s presence in the paint, averaging a double-double with 10.2 points and 10.5 rebounds, has anchored the team’s interior defense and rebounding efforts. The emergence of young talents like Terance Mann and the veteran leadership of players such as Marcus Morris Sr. have added depth and resilience to the roster. Head coach Tyronn Lue’s strategic acumen has been on full display during this stretch. His ability to make in-game adjustments, optimize rotations, and instill a defensive mindset has been pivotal. The Clippers have improved their defensive metrics, limiting opponents to an average of 104.7 points over the last nine games, a testament to their renewed commitment on that end of the floor. Offensively, the team’s ball movement and spacing have led to higher-quality shots, reflected in their increased shooting efficiency and improved assist-to-turnover ratio during this recent stretch of games. Tyronn Lue has emphasized playing with pace and purpose, and it’s shown—particularly in transition where Leonard and George thrive when pushing off defensive stops.

Another critical factor has been the health and consistency of the core rotation, a luxury the Clippers have rarely enjoyed in recent seasons; for the first time in a while, the team appears to be peaking at the right time, just weeks away from the postseason. Hosting the top-seeded Thunder presents a prime opportunity for the Clippers to test their mettle against one of the NBA’s most dynamic and balanced squads. A win here wouldn’t just help secure better playoff seeding—it would also serve as a psychological advantage should these two teams meet again in the playoffs. To do so, the Clippers will need to contain Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a former Clipper and now MVP candidate, whose ability to dissect defenses with his drives and mid-range game will be one of the toughest challenges the Clippers have faced all season. Defensively, expect Leonard and George to split assignments on SGA, with Lue possibly throwing in zone looks or blitzing on pick-and-rolls to disrupt the Thunder’s offensive rhythm. On offense, attacking Chet Holmgren and testing his physicality in the paint will be key, and Zubac’s performance could tilt the battle inside if he establishes early dominance on the boards. The Clippers will also need continued perimeter accuracy, with Powell, Mann, and Bones Hyland providing spacing and secondary shot creation when Leonard or George sits. Energy off the bench will be pivotal, especially against an Oklahoma City team that plays fast and thrives off turnovers. The Clippers’ veteran savvy should give them an edge in execution, particularly in late-game scenarios where their half-court sets and isolation plays can slow the game and control tempo. Ultimately, this game is a litmus test for how playoff-ready this team truly is. With a healthy roster, home-court advantage, and momentum on their side, the Clippers have every reason to believe they can go toe-to-toe with the league’s best. But to do it, they’ll need a complete game—full engagement on defense, efficient ball movement, and discipline in shot selection. If they rise to the occasion, not only will they inch closer to solidifying their playoff position, but they’ll also reassert themselves as true contenders in a wide-open Western Conference picture. The pieces are in place, the chemistry is building, and the moment is ripe. All that remains is for the Clippers to deliver when it matters most.