Clippers started as expected contender, now can’t even stay afloat

The Clippers keep slipping and the frustration is starting to show. November ended with a 2-13 record, which Law Murray of The Athletic notes is one of the worst months in franchise history. They have had ugly stretches before, but never with expectations this high.

Injuries have forced Tyronn Lue to lean on players he hoped would anchor the second unit. John Collins and Kris Dunn have both been pushed into the starting lineup even though Lue made it clear in October that he preferred them off the bench.

The offseason moves have not provided any relief either. Brook Lopez and Chris Paul have shown their age and fallen out of the rotation. Bradley Beal went down with a hip injury that will keep him out for the rest of the season.

The Clippers thought they were adding reliable help. Instead, they are scrambling to fill holes.

Last season, this group hung its hat on defense. Ivica Zubac anchored a top-three unit and the Clippers prided themselves on toughness and consistency. This season, they have fallen all the way to 27th in defensive rating.

They do not get back in transition. They do not defend the arc. They do not rebound or force turnovers.

It has all added up to a team that looks nothing like the one the Clippers expected to be when the season opened.