NBA Notes: Clippers, Darius Garland, Warriors, Draymond Green, Wizards

Clippers

Fifteen straight winning seasons is nothing to sneeze at. But for the Clippers, that streak comes with a catch.

No playoff series wins in five years. Two play-in exits in that same span.

That latest one came Wednesday against the Warriors, and it left more questions than answers, as Law Murray of The Athletic detailed.

Some things are settled. Coach Tyronn Lue is under contract through 2029 and is expected to return. So is point guard Darius Garland, viewed as a key piece moving forward.

After that, it gets murky.

Kawhi Leonard remains the biggest domino. He declined to address his future after the loss, and while the league’s investigation into an endorsement matter is not expected to lead to major consequences, it still hangs over everything.

At some point, the Clippers will need clarity. Leonard is headed toward an expiring deal in 2026-27. That means a decision is coming, whether it is an extension or a trade.

The roster has questions beyond that.

John Collins is headed for unrestricted free agency. Bennedict Mathurin is set for restricted free agency. Several veterans, including Brook Lopez, Bogdan Bogdanović and Nicolas Batum, are tied to team options. Defensive pieces Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. are extension-eligible.

It adds up to an offseason that could go in a lot of directions.

Garland offered a glimpse into what he dealt with this year, too.

“I’ve been playing on nine toes,” he said, via Dan Woike of The Athletic.

He added that his right toe has improved, but the left remains an issue. The goal this offseason is simple.

“Get healthy,” he said.

Warriors

This is what the Warriors do. They lean on their core and trust it will be enough. It was again.

Stephen Curry and Draymond Green delivered vintage performances in Wednesday’s play-in win over the Clippers, rallying from a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter, as written by both Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic and Anthony Slater of ESPN.

Coach Steve Kerr saw it coming.

“We came back every single time they made a run,” Kerr said. “An incredible display of guts and competitiveness and connection. Then obviously Steph and Dray took over down the stretch. Draymond is the best defender I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Green backed that up with actions.

According to Slater, he held Leonard without a field goal attempt across 12 half-court possessions in the fourth. He also came up with two late steals, one leading directly to an and-one from Brandin Podziemski.

Leonard felt it.

“They had a great game plan,” he said. “Just being physical all game. Making sure I don’t get catch-and-shoot shots. Blasting every pick and roll. And then Draymond, Hall of Fame defender. So, yeah, it was hard to even get shots off.”

For Green, the motivation remains internal.

“There will never be a person that I would want to prove more to than myself,” he told Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. “The same people that say I lost a step said I never had a step. … When you step on the floor, this is competition. You want to be your best.”

Same message. Same edge. Same results, at least for one more night.

Wizards

The Wizards are sticking with coach Brian Keefe.

General manager Will Dawkins confirmed as much, via Josh Robbins of The Athletic.

“Yeah, I anticipate Brian Keefe to be here,” Dawkins said.

The record is what it is. Keefe is 43-160 since taking over for Wes Unseld Jr.. The context matters more.

Washington has been deep in a rebuild, prioritizing development over wins. That remains the plan.

The front office has liked Keefe’s work with young players such as Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George, along with the growth shown by rookies Tre Johnson, Will Riley and Jamir Watkins.

Even after adding veterans like Anthony Davis and Trae Young during the season, the focus has not shifted. Development first. Everything else second.

Keefe’s willingness to work closely with the front office has only strengthened his standing. He is also well-liked in the locker room.