Clippers go back to the basics on defense in their four-game winning streak: It began with a lock-down second half against Phoenix on Jan. 2, when the Clippers held the Suns to 40 points on 15-for-52 shooting (28.8%), and it continued through Sunday’s decisive victory over Miami. The Clippers defense has tightened considerably since allowing an average of 110.5 points during a year-end, six-game losing streak, holding opponents to an average of 96.5 points in the first four games of 2017, all victories. -- Los Angeles Times
Clippers stopped being 'too clever' and found their defensive stride again: DeAndre Jordan was hoofing it down court after a Miami Heat turnover Sunday when he heard his coach’s familiar, demanding voice coming from the Clippers bench.