Los Angeles Clippers’ former All-Defensive point guard, Patrick Beverley, has expressed his belief that his time with the team should have resulted in at least one NBA championship. The Clippers’ closest chance came in the 2019-20 season when the team was considered one of the top contenders before the playoffs were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the teams to play in the Orlando Bubble.
Despite not winning a championship, Beverley was an essential part of the Clippers’ success during his four-year time with the team. He played a vital role in motivating and raising the team’s morale, especially during their deepest postseason run in franchise history, which saw them reach the Conference Finals in the 2021 playoffs.
“We think we would’ve won a championship if it wasn’t for the bubble,” Beverley said. “But to come back and get to a Conference Finals with a hurt Kawhi – We’ve done a lot of good things here.”
However, Washington Wizards forward, Kyle Kuzma, was quick to shut down Beverley’s excuses, stating that the Clippers simply didn’t want to be there. The Clippers famously blew a 3-1 lead against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals, ultimately leading to their elimination from the playoffs
However, the Clippers decided to move on from Beverley after the playoffs, which saw the team eliminated from the Conference Finals. Beverley’s new team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, then eliminated the Clippers in the play-in tournament to book a playoff spot, sending the Clippers home.
The Clippers’ Bubble Struggles and Patrick Beverley’s Time with the Team
The Clippers and their cross-city rivals, the Lakers, both struggled in the bubble. However, the Lakers managed to push through and win the championship, proving that champions are not only skilled on the court but also mentally tough. The Clippers, on the other hand, blew a 3-1 lead in the second round of the playoffs, leading to their elimination.
Beverley’s contributions to the Clippers cannot be understated. He was an essential part of the team’s defensive strategy, known for his tenacity and aggressive playstyle. His leadership and motivational skills were also vital in keeping the team’s morale high during difficult times.
During his four-year time with the Clippers, Beverley averaged 8.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. While these may not be the most impressive numbers, Beverley’s value to the team was evident in his intangibles. He was a floor-raiser and a team player, always putting the team’s success above his personal statistics.
Unfortunately, the Clippers decided to move on from Beverley after the 2021 playoffs, sending him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for guard Jarrett Culver and Juancho Hernangomez. While Beverley has moved on to a new team, his impact on the Clippers’ success during his time with the team cannot be forgotten.
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