BJ Mathews is the host of the THE PULL UP! Basketball Podcast. He is a Clippers credentialed creator representing thePeachBasket. In this article, Why Amir Coffey’s Return Could Be the Key to the Clippers Playoff Success vs. Nuggets, he recaps the Clippers recent statement win against the Dallas Mavericks.
Clippers Clinch Fifth Seed with Thrilling Win Over Warriors
Last Sunday the Los Angeles Clippers played their last regular season game. The Clippers came
out with a 124-119 nail-biter against the Golden State Warriors. The win secured the Clippers for
a fifth seed in the Western Conference. This has set up a playoff showdown versus the Denver
Nuggets. An underrated adjustment the Clippers need to really consider is re-inserting the 6’7
athletic two-way wing Amir Coffey back in the rotation.
Amir Coffey’s Impact and Recent Return
After missing the seven previous games, Coffey returned to action versus the Warriors where he
played only four minutes. Coffey averaged 9.7 ppg with shooting splits of 47.1/40.9/89.1 while
averaging 25 minutes a game. At 89.1% from the free throw line that leads the team as far as the
main active players.
Clippers Playoff Success: Playoff Intensity Demands Two-Way Versatility
The playoffs are an entirely different season from the regular season. The Clippers as a team
have been a top five ranked defense even with their superstar Kawhi Leonard only completing a
total of 36 games this season. On the other hand, the Clippers have been ranked a bottom eight
offense in the NBA. The Clippers are currently 20th. The imbalance of the offensive and
defensive ranks is attributed to one key reason: lack of two-way players. This is where Coffey
comes in.
Key Moments Highlight Coffey’s Value
March 23rd,2025 the Clippers lost a close game at home versus the number one seed Oklahoma
City Thunder 103-101. At 7:23 in the fourth quarter, Coffey hit a mid-range jump-shot followed
by a play he drove the ball to the basket, that resulted in two free throws converting on both
giving the Clippers a 90-91 lead. Just 20 seconds later, he gets pulled out of the game and didn’t
return. A couple of games later, he rolls his ankle against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Since that
moment, Coffey has been looking to get back in rhythm
Versatility: Coffey’s Adaptability Through Changing Roles
For the last three seasons, Coffey has taken on many roles from being a starter in the absence of
Kawhi Leonard and former Clippers All-Star Paul George, to getting inconsistent rotational
minutes during key moments of games as he was before. The fact his role has changed where he
has had adapted offensively and defensively highlights the importance of his versatility
Roster Analysis: The Need for More Two-Way Players
As you look, from players 1-10 on the Clippers roster, there is a limit amount of good two-way
players compared to last season. Last season, that top 10 offensive rating and middle of the pack
defense has now transferred to an elite defense while dropping to a bottom of the tier offense.
Offseason acquisitions Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr have proven to be very important pieces
of the defensive side of the ball.
However, on the offensive side of ball there are questions. Dunn
who is an inconsistent shooter and playmaker while being an undersized 6’3 guard presents
challenges. He is a defensive specialist at the guard position only. Jones Jr an exceptional athlete,
solid defender, and is averaging 10 ppg but has been asked to step in the role of being a
consistent three-point shooter, where he is shooting 35.3% from the arc. There are limitations
there.
Offensive Spacing Improvements with Bogdan Bogdanovic
Pre-All-Star break, the Clippers were looking to improve their spacing and they did that with
trading for Bogdan Bogdanovic. Known for his textbook release, he provides another proven
shooter, where he is shooting 42.7% from the arc, which only is behind Nico Batum. Batum who
also is dealing with a groin injury is another spacer the Clippers await his status. The Clippers
swapped Bogdanovic’s offense for former Clippers Guard/Forward Terance Mann defense. That
equals another player who affects one way of the basketball.
Starters Leading the Charge in Scoring
The starters like James Harden, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac have been highlighted as major
parts holding the fort down with Leonard being out. Harden and Powell lead the team in scoring.
Harden averaged 22.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, and 8.7 apg for the season followed by Powell who averaged
21.8 ppg with shooting splits of 48/41/80 almost a 50/40/90 season. Offensively Harden and
Powell, however, can make a case they have been one of the most electrifying backcourts in the
league.
Defensive Challenges Against Bigger Guards
However, there is the other side of the basketball that needs to be highlighted. The defensive side
against bigger guards presents serious problems. That was on full display against the Warriors
All-Star Jimmy Butler who had his way with every defender who was not named Leonard.
Zubac All-NBA Defensive team candidate has been mainly geared to his elite rim protection
very similar to Rudy Gobert. There is a difference though between interior and exterior defense.
So, Zubac is limited being a traditional center spending much of his time inside the paint waiting
for offensive players to drive to the basket for him to contest the shot.
Coffey and Leonard: The Clippers’ Only True Two-Way Wings
The only true two-way players on the roster who can guard multiple positions while being three
tier scorers is Leonard and Coffey. Not to mention, they’re both 6’7 who are good to elite from
the mid-range area that is a vital weapon to throw defenses off. In a series against the Nuggets,
they will have to go against a big frontcourt of Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, and Micheal Porter
who all range from 6’9-6’11. Head Coach Ty Lue has really taken a liking to three guard lineups
who range from 6’3-6’5. Small guard lineups mixed in with a Harden lead offense that requires
spacing and three-point snipers is right up Coffey’s alley.
Why Amir Coffey Must Be Utilized in the Playoffs
Coffey who shoots better from the three-point line than anyone else outside of Batum and
Bogdanovic with the ability to guard positions one to three cannot afford to not be utilized. The
problem, with having a limited number of two-way players is that certain guys can be played off
the floor. In the playoffs, there are only a certain number of players who will be getting valuable
minutes. The coaching staff has a lot to decide with rotations going into Saturday.
