The Los Angeles Clippers currently possess the top record in the NBA with a 10-1 record, having won 7 straight games. The Clippers are known to flame out early in the playoffs and not deliver the goods, so should we really be paying that much attention to this? I think the answer to this question is we should definitely be taking note, but it's obviously still way too early for Clippers fans to start thinking this is the year they're going to break through and win their first NBA championship.
What is encouraging about the Clippers' hot start is that they have beaten some quality teams on the road like the Grizzlies, Spurs, and Thunder. In addition, Chris Paul (19.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists), Blake Griffin (20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists), DeAndre Jordan (10.5 points and 12.4 rebounds), J.J. Redick (13.3 points on 43.5% from 3-point range), and Jamal Crawford (11.2 points) are all healthy and playing well as a unit. A big problem for the Clippers over the years has been their inability to stay healthy. Usually Chris Paul injures his hamstring and can't go in the playoffs or something very similar derails their quest for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. In addition, the Clippers have not been able to lock up home court advantage for the Western Conference playoffs, making things all the more tougher to win a title.
So, as far as how seriously we should take the Clippers, I would say we should take them seriously so far as they (A) Remain healthy and (B) Stay atop the Western Conference standings. If the Clippers can find a way to enter the 2017 NBA Playoffs with the #1 record in the Western Conference at full strength. Look out. They could be very tough to eliminate.
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