Clippers Focusing on Better Starts Ahead of Playoffs

Early deficits have hampered the Clippers, who play at Sacramento on Sunday as the postseason looms.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:35pm

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The Clippers have rallied from a 15-game deficit at the start of the season to reach the playoffs, but they are still struggling with slow starts that have led to double-digit deficits in recent games. Coach Tyronn Lue and star player Kawhi Leonard emphasized the need for the team to come out more aggressively and set the tone defensively in the first quarter. With five games left in the regular season, the Clippers are aiming for their 15th consecutive winning season, but they know they have more work to do to secure a higher playoff seed.

Why it matters

The Clippers' struggles with slow starts have put them in difficult positions throughout the season, forcing them to play catch-up against opponents. As they make a final push for the playoffs, addressing this issue will be crucial to their success and potentially securing a higher seed.

The details

In their past two games, the Clippers fell into sizable deficits early and were unable to make the necessary stops to mount a comeback. Coach Tyronn Lue stressed the importance of the team coming out with a defensive mindset and being the ones to initiate the contact, rather than easing into games. Forward John Collins acknowledged that the slow starts have been the team's 'Achilles heel' for much of the season, putting them in holes that are difficult to climb out of.

  • The Clippers play at Sacramento on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • The Clippers have five regular-season games remaining.

The players

Kawhi Leonard

A star player who has been instrumental in the Clippers' turnaround this season.

Tyronn Lue

The Clippers' head coach, who has emphasized the need for the team to come out more aggressively and set the tone defensively.

John Collins

A Clippers forward who acknowledged that the team's slow starts have been their 'Achilles heel' for much of the season.

Darius Garland

A two-time All-Star point guard who has played 15 games with the Clippers since being acquired, and is looking to regain his shooting touch after a recent slump.

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What they’re saying

“'Do whatever to keep the record going or the consistency would be great. I don't think nobody is gonna be popping champagne just because we're 42-40.'”

— Kawhi Leonard, Clippers Star

“'I know being over .500 is great, but like Kawhi said, we have more at hand than just being 42-40 or whatever it may be. We got to try to make the playoffs, get into the playoffs and then go from there.'”

— Tyronn Lue, Clippers Head Coach

“'Just coming out to a slow start has been the biggest thing, sort of our Achilles heel a lot of the year. We're starting by putting ourselves in a hole and it's hard to come back against teams when you give yourself a deficit and it has cost us.'”

— John Collins, Clippers Forward

What’s next

The Clippers will play at Sacramento on Sunday, April 6, 2026, as they continue their push for the playoffs with five regular-season games remaining.

The takeaway

The Clippers' struggles with slow starts have been a persistent issue this season, putting them in difficult positions and forcing them to play catch-up. As they make a final push for the playoffs, addressing this problem and coming out with a stronger defensive mindset will be crucial to their success and potentially securing a higher seed.