Clippers Hit .500 After Tumultuous Start

Los Angeles Clippers reach .500 record after starting season 6-21

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The Los Angeles Clippers have reached a .500 record for the first time this season after a 126-118 home win over the New York Knicks. The Clippers started the season 6-21 but have won 5 of their last 6 games, averaging 123 points per game during this stretch. New players like Bennedict Mathurin have provided a spark off the bench, helping the team play at a faster pace. However, the Clippers are still dealing with injuries to key players like Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland, who remain on minute restrictions.

Why it matters

The Clippers' turnaround from a dismal 6-21 start to reaching a .500 record is a significant accomplishment, showing the team's resilience and ability to fight back from adversity. This puts them firmly in playoff contention, though their long-term success will depend on getting key injured players fully healthy down the stretch.

The details

The Clippers have won 5 of their last 6 games, including a 126-118 home victory over the New York Knicks. During this stretch, they are averaging 123 points per game and playing at a much faster pace. Kawhi Leonard is having a career-best scoring season, while new addition Bennedict Mathurin is providing a big boost off the bench, averaging 19 points per game. However, the Clippers are still dealing with injuries, as both Leonard and Darius Garland remain on minute restrictions, and John Collins is still out with a neck strain.

  • The Clippers reached .500 for the first time this season with a win over the Knicks last Monday night.
  • The Clippers have won 5 of their last 6 games.

The players

Tyronn Lue

Head coach of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Kawhi Leonard

Star player for the Los Angeles Clippers who is averaging a career-high 28 points per game this season.

Darius Garland

Clippers player who is working his way back from injury and is expected to be a key contributor for the team down the stretch.

Bennedict Mathurin

New Clippers player who is providing a spark off the bench, averaging 19 points per game during the team's recent stretch.

John Collins

Clippers player who is still out with a neck strain.

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What they’re saying

“It means a lot. Guys in the locker room are just staying with it-continuing to fight and compete. Since I've been here for six years, our guys have continued to fight when our backs are against the wall. I credit all of my coaching staff for doing a great job. To start 6–21 and be .500 right now is a big thing for us.”

— Tyronn Lue, Head Coach (Culver City Observer)

“We can't stop now.”

— Tyronn Lue, Head Coach (Culver City Observer)

“I got to do a better job with the minutes, just trying to stagger Kawhi and Darius better so at least one of those guys is on the floor. It's kinda tough when both of those guys start.”

— Tyronn Lue, Head Coach (Culver City Observer)

What’s next

The Clippers play the Bulls on Friday, the Kings on Saturday and the Spurs on Monday as they look to continue their climb up the standings.

The takeaway

The Clippers' ability to fight back from a dismal 6-21 start to reach .500 is a testament to the team's resilience and the coaching staff's ability to make adjustments. However, the team's long-term success will depend on getting key injured players like Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland fully healthy down the stretch as they push for a playoff spot.