Clippers are seventh in the West, but only three games out of first

Despite having won five games in a row and going a franchise-record 6-1 on their recent seven-game trip, the Clippers are in seventh place in the very competitive Western Conference.

The top teams in the Western Conference are not separated by much distance. The Clippers are just three games behind the first-place Memphis Grizzlies.

This could be a good time for the Cilppers to make up some ground.

Their remaining games in December are against Orlando, New Orleans, Phoenix, Indiana, Washington, Milwaukee, Detroit, Indiana, Denver, Milwaukee, San Antonio, Atlanta, Golden State, Toronto, Utah and New York.

Only eight of those 14 teams have winning records, and only five are more than two games over .500.

The Clippers had an unimpressive start this season, but they seem to be coming together. Coach Doc Rivers has a theory about why that’s happening.

“If you had to pinpoint why I think we’re better than we were earlier in the year, and we’re going to keep getting better -- I just think our offense is so much better,” Rivers said. “I think we scored nine or 10 points more a game on the road on this road trip. But I still go back to we were missing open shots, and we’re making open shots now. And once you start making open shots, then the defense has to react to that and it allows other things to happen for you. I think that’s the main reason.”

Between their newfound rhythm and their upcoming schedule, the Clippers should be able to make a bit of noise in the Western Conference if they continue to play the way they’ve been playing recently.