Clipped Wings: Story of the Series
The Los Angeles Clippers have officially been eliminated from the playoffs.
In case it isn’t obvious by now, I am both a student and massive fan of Greek Mythology. And one of the stories that sticks out in my mind most is the Folly of Icarus. A young man who along with his father, soared through the skies in an attempt to escape their prison, but whose arrogance doomed him as he flew too high and paid the ultimate price. The same wings that helped him fly, were the same wings that aided in his drowning when they were wounded.
The Los Angeles Clippers remind me of this story. Not because their arrogance was their undoing. Rather because the wings that helped them soar were unable to help them once they got hurt. The same wings that were supposed to be the franchise’s salvation ultimately were rendered useless as the Clippers were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns on April 25th. To their credit, the Clippers did not go quietly. But whether a man goes out with a bang or a whimper matters not. In the end, the Slim Reaper came. And with a slash of his scythe, the wounded team was banished from the playoffs.
It has been gut wrenching to watch the Clippers over the last few years. Ever since star wing players Kawhi Leonard and Paul George joined the team, expectations for this team have been sky high. NBA fans salivated at the potential matchups we’d see both in the regular and post-season. “The Battle for L.A” with the Lakers was one that many fans could not wait to see. Yet we never did. At least not the way we had hoped. Unfortunately the Clippers are just another team that has been felled by the most insidious plague in the NBA, as well as in all of sports.
Injuries.
Every year it seems that the Clippers have had their wings clipped. And in true tragic poetry, their two wing players have been the most common targets. Even with all the load management, Kawhi Leonard’s body continues to betray him. And Paul George has found himself on the injury list frequently during his tenure as a Clipper. Regardless of whether you’re a fan of this team or not, regardless of whether you’re a fan of these players or not, we can all agree that injuries marred this series. And honestly, it’s always sad to see.
At the end of the day, the NBA is most engrossing when the best face off against each other. I’m not taking a damn thing away from the Suns. They played excellently and are rightfully moving on to the second round. I just wish that these titans could have clashed properly. Because how formidable is a giant when both its arms are broken?
