Clippers at Lakers - Game Preview and Open Thread
by Steve Perrin on Nov 5, 2008 8:08 AM PST
in Game Previews
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PrintLos Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers, Nov 5, 2008 7:30 PM PST
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| 0-4 | 3-0 | |
| Staples Center | ||
| November 5, 2008 - 7:30 PM | ||
| TV: KTLA |
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| Probable starters: | ||
| Baron Davis |
PG | Derek Fisher |
| Cuttino Mobley |
SG | Kobe Bryant |
| Al Thornton | SF | Vladimir Radmanovic |
| Marcus Camby |
PF | Pau Gasol |
| Chris Kaman |
C | Andrew Bynum |
The Big Picture:
The Clippers and the Lakers have always been a tale of two teams in one city. With very few exceptions, the Lakers have been the better team for their 25 years together in LA. And even when the Lakers have been a little down and the Clippers have been a little up, a successful Clipper season (second round of the playoffs in 2006) looks nothing like a successful Laker season (8 rings since 1980). Still, having said all that, the contrast has rarely been as stark as it has been so far this young season. Still, there was 86-87, when the Lakers won the title and the Clippers had the worst record in the NBA at 12-70 - the second worst team had twice as many wins. Maybe assistant coach Rory White can tell the guys a little about that experience.
Obviously we're barely a week into this season, and there's a long way to go. But in the latest version of Marc Stein's Power Rankings, it's 'I <3 the 80s' with the 3-0 Lakers number 1, and the 0-4 Clippers dead last. And it's hard to argue. The Lakers have a league best point differential of +21.7 and the Clippers have the league's worst at -21.5. In a victory of sorts, the Lakers are only favored by 15 in this one - seems pretty clear the spread should be more like, say, 21. Lakers beat writer Mike Bresnahan has more on the Lakers/Clippers mismatch in today's LA Times. The sliver of hope for the Clippers is that Baron Davis and Marcus Camby made it through their return to the court Monday in good shape, and the Clippers might be able to actually use their projected starting lineup for the first time this season.
The Antagonist:
In three games this season, the Lakers have demonstrated very well why they are such are dangerous team. In wins over the Blazers and the Clippers, they used their precision offense, much improved defense, terrific shooting and talented bench to dominate the games, allowing their stars to coast along. In a closer contest with Denver, Kobe Bryant took over in the fourth quarter to secure the victory and Pau Gasol went for 16 and 16 in 42 minutes. And that, in a nutshell, is the real beauty of this Lakers team. Most NBA teams that think they have a shot at a championship are usually relying on the raw talent of their superstar players (think Cleveland), or on a balanced attack that can wear teams down (think Detroit). The Lakers can do either. In most games this season, I suspect they'll have the game put away by the fourth quarter. But if they don't, just give the ball to Kobe. It's a great luxury for them.
The Subplots
- 28 feet of starting bigs. OK, maybe it's officially 27'11" since Camby is listed as 6'11". But in a league that has suffered in recent years from a relative lack of skilled big men, this game features 4 who would be the starting center for most teams in the league. Not many front courts will come close to matching up with Gasol and Bynum this year. And the Clippers may not either tonight - Camby is likely to be rusty and tired in only his second game since April, and Kaman was an embarrassment a week ago against these guys. But Kaman has played better since that Lakers game, and played very well for three quarters against Utah. Look closely when these guys are standing side-by-side, because it's important to know how Camby and Kaman measure up.
- Confidence. It's hard to imagine how the Clippers will have any confidence going into this game. They lost by 38 to this team a week ago in a home game. They've had at least one major meltdown in every game this season. They're coming off a quarter in which they shot 2 for 13 on their way to an ugly loss to Utah. If they fall behind early, you may want to switch over to Dancing With the Stars. But if they can come out strong, maybe they can make a game of it with their pieces finally falling into place. In some ways it's probably easier for them to play in Staples as the visitors - if the place is going to be chanting M-V-P at your opponent, you'd rather it not be while he's standing on your logo.
- Bench play. In the first game, the Lakers reserves absolutely destroyed the Clippers bench. However, in the Denver game they proved that they are mortal, as their white hot shooting cooled off - Farmar, Vujacic, Ariza and Odom combined to go 7 for 26 with 1 three against the Nuggets after hitting 15 of 25 with 5 threes against the Clippers. That's a pretty big difference. But the Clippers second unit simply has to play better as well. Hopefully we'll get to see how Tim Thomas does in a reserve role. Meanwhile, if Ricky Davis doesn't do something positive, surely we'll see more of Eric Gordon. MDsr went with an 8 man rotation against the Jazz - Kaman, Camby and Thomas at the bigs, Thornton, Mobley and Ricky on the wings, Baron and Taylor at the point. I don't necessarily disagree with that - but Ricky has got to make a contribution pretty soon.
- How do they score? For all of the talk of running and gunning, the Clippers are averaging 83.5 points in four games, 29th out of 30 teams. Obviously, Baron has missed time and still isn't 100% - his finger is still bothering him, for one thing. You have to be able to rebound to run, and the Clippers have yet to outrebound an opponent in 4 games. And they're shooting under 40% on the season, which is truly dreadful. Their spacing and ball movement have been horrifyingly bad all season, particularly so in that first game against the Lakers. I guess the good news is that the offense should get better, if only because it's hard to imagine it getting any worse.
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Excited for tonight
I think MDsr will concede somewhat with the offense and give Baron some slack. In hindsight during Baron’s limited playing time, despite some playmaking, a majority of the time he had to dump it in to Kaman or a big….he looked bored.
If Baron is allowed to run and gun, Ricky Davis will benefit the most. I don’t think he is fitting well into Dunleavy’s iso iso iso, post post post offense.
first time I'll watch the Clippers this year
but I’ll do it tomorrow with the replayed game, the 9 hr time zone difference is a killer
great post btw, didn’t know those stories of the past, thanks Steve, keep up the (usual) good work
by Ricky - Sixers4guidos on Nov 5, 2008 10:15 AM PST reply actions
watching from the fan viewing party @ commerce
hey clippersteve, remember me from the fox sports bar? i told you i’d check out your blog, so here i am. And I am glad I did, this is great.
On tonight’s game, i’m looking forward to BD and Camby playing some tough defense. Hopefully the Kaman of last year shows up as well. I’m still optimistic about the season despite the 0-4 start. If Indiana can beat the Celtics, Clippers can beat the Lakers.
Hey there... welcome
Have fun at the viewing party… I’ll be watching from home. Twice in one week is a little much for the wife and kids, although she’s not known as the ClipperWidow for nothing.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
by Steve Perrin on Nov 5, 2008 11:26 AM PST up reply actions
sounds like CS has been representin' the Nacion!
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on Nov 5, 2008 11:40 AM PST up reply actions
Game Thread
By the way, I’m likely to be watching the game in real time tonight. The TiVo will be on Dancing With the Stars – the favorite show of the ClipperWidow and ClipperKids. So I’ll be forced to watch the regular TV and have to cope with commercials and just seeing the replays that KTLA decides to show me. At any rate, I’ll likely have the laptop going and we can chat… at least until it gets too depressing.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Chant
I’ll be the only person at Staples tonight psychotically screaming “Anything is possibleeeeeeeeeee!!!” And I’ll intercept the “M-V-P!” chants with some of my “Co-Lo-Ra-Do!” ones. If you can’t beat ’em, taunt ’em.
you are doing the lord's work...
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on Nov 5, 2008 12:30 PM PST up reply actions
Looking past tonights game, is it possible we go 0-7 to start the year, and maybe sneak in a win against Sacramento or Golden State?
I doubt any other team has had such a tough schedule to start the season.
I think the NBA office needs to provide some leniency to teams that perenially struggle!
Game 8, Sacto
The Kings are the only team that has arguably had a worse start than the Clippers. Also losing by an average of 20, but not against the same level of opponent. If the team starts the year 0-8, forget it. Of course, 0-7 is a big problem as well, but all of those are against 50 win teams, so at least there’s an ‘excuse’.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Great post
Really good summary Steve! I should be around to chat during the game as well. At least until I throw my laptop out the window.
The LA Times article on Baron and Camby being “ok” was the best news I’ve heard since…well last night. Anyway, I’m thrilled that the team gets another chance to play together.
I really doubt that tonight is as ugly as last week. I just can’t see it. To me, the key is keeping it close through 3. If we can start the 4th and still be in the game, I think the whole team will realize “hey, we can actually win this.”
Here’s hoping the Lakers barely show up tonight and show that good old Laker arrogance. How beautiful would it be to get our first W vs. the Lakers?
Laker arrogance
I hope kobe scores 50… and the Lakers lose.
Glove....
While I share your sentiment of hope, isn’t it just the opposite? After we hang around for 3 quarters we don’t go, “hey we can actually win this.” We end up in self-destruct mode and the other team goes up by 17. This is just my personal experience watching the Clippers for the last 9-10 years.
I had the same thought...
The Clippers have done OK this season hanging around for 3 quarters… it’s that last one that has been the most problematic.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Bah forget the past
I mean, what does the last 9-10 years have to do with this team? Nothing at all.
It’s a whole new team and the past doesn’t necessarily predict the future. If it did, a black man wouldn’t be the President-elect today.
My point is that in that the Clips are probably fearful of getting blown out again. If they make it through 3 quarters and it isn’t some embarrassing 20+ point lead, I think they’ll start to gain confidence.
This is the first game that Camby and Baron are starting together…EVER. I can’t help but be optimistic. Talk to me in a few hours tho. haha
Wait a minute...
A black man is the president-elect?
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
You were saying?
They hung around until the middle of the 4th, then…collapse.
It shouldn't be as bad
as last week but I am still pessimistic about tonight’s game. But there is definitely a much better chance of us winning tonight then last week.
Good start
The early fouls on Camby were such BS. Stupid reach by Camby though.
Baron has been sterling….
sometimes
i just hate Al’s unnecessary headfakes when getting open looks
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
Jab step parade
How long have I been ranting about that? It’s really a ball stopper. Someone needs to teach him to score in the flow.
TT stuffed by AB
should have passed underneath to kaman…shot clock violation!
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
Is that 3 straight blocked shots?
27 points in the first 9 minutes… but it’s kind of stopped at this point.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Early offense...
Early offense has worked… half court, not so much
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
ouch...
Al took that offensive board from Kaman
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
At least
The Lakers aren’t making everything
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Wow...
That was a break… plus Ricky buckets gets one… leading at the break
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
First quarter...
Baron 10 points, 5 assists… Kaman 4 and 4…
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
2nd unit for lakers
not to explosive…maybe they’ll take the night off…ariza bailed out on a drive and farmar bricks a 3ptr, sloppy play on the breaks…can’t ask for anything more than that against this team
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
Nice 1st Quarter
Despite these horrible Laker favoring refs.
Hopefully Baron can sustain his energy…
Are you asking which one I use?
Sorry, no felonies
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Tim Thomas
5 rebounds in the first quarter… what the hell?
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Hart...
demoted… good
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
GORDON!
1 minute into the second
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Clips bench
isn’t working hard enough. The Lakers’ guys are diving on the floor and hustling. It’s about heart…
Here they come
Feels like trouble guys… 8-0 for the second unit
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
We're Hurtin'
Taylor’s not playing aggressive enough, and Thornton hasn’t been able to assert himself. At least Gordon’s in there.
There's just no excuse...
for a bench scrub like Paul Davis not to be diving for the ball trying to earn his minutes, while Lamar is scrapping and hustling like that. LAMAR!
The Clips need guys who WANT to play hard nosed hoops…not who walk out there like it’s a ballet.
eek
please make the FTs
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
I like it too, Mike Smith
EG being aggressive that is… I’d prefer he not travel
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
keep it close... keep it close
don’t let it end in the first half
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
yes...i don't want an excuse to go back out to the grocery store tonight!
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
how does Camby not get the board?
He’s got inside position against lamar…
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
tough trivia question
bill sharman?
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
In and out
1 for 15… ouch
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
man...we need to make some ground
won’t get easier with the 1st unit
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
27 points in the first 9 minutes of the game
5 in the next 9… WTF?
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
EJ
I really wish Dun would give him a real shot. No way can a rook produce on such a short leash.
FINALLY someone attacks the bucket.
Um... it's EG, right?
Are you calling him by his middle initial?
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
I did not know that...
I suppose I should have… thanks for the info
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
3rd foul on Camby
and it’s another bad call… Kobe stepped on his foot and lost his balance
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
looked like he just slipped...
no sound from where I am watching in the house…
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
it is
This is as bad a quarter as any this season… only down 7
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Cat
Is really frustrating me. I’ve defended him in the past but that backdoor was pathetic and he’s jacking up way too many bad shots.
seems like they payed good defense
since Clippers literally didn’t make a hoop against them
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
god dammit
turnovers
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
3 on 2 fast break
ends in a Ricky Davis out of rhythm miss
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Jesus
2 point game… how are they in this?
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Language
please
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Kaman three... Camby three
2:44 left in the half… 2 point game… what’s the over under for the halftime deficit?
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Kate Hudson
A definite upgrade over Malcom in the Middle
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
I got the love
But Kate’s an upgrade
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Skinner and Thomas
Have to hold the fort
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Wow...
great pass by TT…only to hit friggin Skinner in the face.
Um…can the refs stop cheating please?
Um
No
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Joe Mullaney?
No wonder it was so hard… they made this guy up.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Thor
Needs to work on his ball handling and decision making. He’s on the perimeter with Rad up on him and he can’t blow by him? Rad is the worst defender in the league.
LEAD
are you kidding?
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Defense
Playing really well
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Please hold on to the lead...
Can someone tell me how the freaking refs are calling everything on us but Baron gets tossed to the floor and no call?!???!?!
Why did Al get a T?
in the final minute? Stupid… really stupid.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
TT
wow!
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
dodged a bullet
at the buzzer, Fish for three… and Al’s lying in the backcourt and two guys went for steals….
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
WHEW!!!!
What a finish!!!
i’m sorry but the refs are HORRIBLE. Thor gets no call on that again!?!!? What is Bynum bullet proof?!?!?!!!
Simply a MIRACLE that we have a lead at the half.
Baron and TT are carrying this team.
Thomas has been amazing
14 points and 7 boards
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
I hate this commercial
Where headband happens? What does that even mean?
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
14, 12, 11
Thomas, Baron, Thor… That’s a good half for those guys
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Camby!
That’s why he’s here… but Cat gets no call, and VladRad buries a three… ouch
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Nice block by Camby..
Nice pass by Al!
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Baron...
taking it at Kobe…
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
but misses both FTs!
ouch
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
TT
Wow. he likes coming off the bench
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Why is Cat trying that on Bynum?
And why is Camby fouling Kobe in the back court… that was a pair of bad, dumb plays from supposedly smart veterans
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
blown chances this quarter
Baron misses two FTs, and Skinner misses a wide open dunk
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Lamar
One call goes against the Lakers and Lamar goes nuts
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Ralph and Mke
Are falling all over themselves over Lamar…but I can’t stand that guy. Showed NO appreciation for the way the team stuck with him through all his idiotic drug issues.
Cat
Bingo for the tie
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Lamar...
stupid play… saves it to Mobley
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Looked pretty clean
Camby and Kaman and Baron in foul trouble all game.. and the Clippers are still in this somehow
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Meanwhile
Al is apparently invisible on the offensive end… they can hit him all day, no call
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
That's not good
Lakers shooting the bonus for 6:38
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Baron, Kaman
both on with 5 fouls with 6 minutes to go
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Tim Thomas
double double
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
wow indeed
every game this happens… every game… how is possible?
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Why didn't they shoot like that...
…against the Celtics last spring!
Now everyone....
…else is turning into Mr. Flippy!
Is it conditioning?
Why are they so bad in the fourth?
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Year before last....
…the Clips lost thetwo early games to the Lakers, then beat them in two late in the season games.
Careless
The refs screwed us for a while but we screwed ourselves at the end. That run was just inexcusable.
I can’t believe how many careless plays there were. Thornton with careless, lazy passes. Kaman with that nonchalant rebound. Just horrible.
Baron pretty much disappeared towards the end. Yes the foul trouble played a part, but that was really disappointing.
Onward…
careless part 2
you forgot TT’s careless pass, Kaman’s half hearted attempt to grab a rebound…
I mentioned Kaman's rebound
but you’re right about TT.
I mean, everyone did it. Nobody played with any freaking urgency. I mean, do you want to freaking win or what?!
I don’t think we really want to win…we just say we do because that’s the politically correct thing to say. I mean its tough to sell any tickets if you tell your fans that you don’t really care about wins, plus the league will get upset and will probably demote you down to the D-League like they do in euroleague soccer.
This is part of Dunleavy’s secret plan to wrest control of the franchise from Donald Sterling somehow. Maybe he’s trying to get the Donald to commit suicide or have a heart attack at a game so he can inherit the team and liquidate the franchise!
Consistency thy name is Clippers
At least they can’t say we’re not consistent, we are one of the most consistent teams in the league. We lose every games by epic collapses where the other team go on 17,18,22-0 runs and we get killed on the offensive glass. Will we let Houston go on a 100-0 run on Friday? Be at the Staples Center to find out!
Same old same old
I really didn’t like the refereeing in this game. Unnecessary calls cost the Clips in a big way. They hung in there, showing improvement.
Does anyone know why Camby didn't play in the final 8 minutes?
I think we could have used him during that 22-0 run.
DeAndre Jordan > Paul Davis
I want to see this kid play. Our backup bigs are WAY too unathletic. Brian Skinner missed a wide open dunk…inexcusable. I’m so upset I cannot even type in coherent sentences.
Agreed
Dun needs to play the kids. The guys out there aren’t showing that they want it. Davis brings NOTHING.
Agreed too
Davis tries but his reconstructed knee has made him even slower than last year. I mean, the poor guy can’t even get on his tip toes anymore, never mind jumping. At least DeAndre’s long arms and bulk will help with the defensive boards….and I don’t see him missing that Skinner dunk, no matter how far underneath the basket he was.
But if Gordon gets the final minute of playing time at the short end of a 20 point deficit, I don’t see Dunleavy playing DeAndre at all….well maybe he will get like 1.5 seconds of play time if we’re down by 86.
Lots of no calls
a lot were against Al. It was weird every time we touched the lakers it was a foul but they could have killed Al and they still wouldn’t have called it. But the team did show improvement if we can play like we did in the first 3 quarters, fouls withstanding then we would be doing very good.
exactly
I didn’t mind so much the no calls against the Clips, but every time the Lakers moved there was a whisle against the Clips, and it completely took them out of their game, sent guys (Kaman, Camby, BD) to the bench. That plus Lamar going nuts the one time they called a foul on him, and then a lousy makeup call, a crucial 5th foul on Kaman, a few plays later, that sent Kaman to the bench. Pathetic. Hard enough to stay in the game against the Lakers, but when they’re getting so many whistles it makes so much tougher.
by citizen zhiv on Nov 5, 2008 10:41 PM PST up reply actions
Oh
and Kaman looked decent so can we finally stop this dumb talk of trading him. And am I the only guy that sees how well TT is doing off the bench.
TT
That’s exactly what we want and hope for from TT—he can be an excellent guy off the bench. Now the trick is for Camby and Kaman not to get cheap fouls called on them. TT is playing well enough (and Ricky Davis STILL hasn’t shown up) that I wouldn’t mind seeing him get some minutes for Thornton at SF. Whatever happened to Steve Novak? Team is getting healthy and once the Clips are going up against some lesser teams everybody is going do well and they’ll start winning.
by citizen zhiv on Nov 5, 2008 10:44 PM PST up reply actions
Officially the worst team in the NBA
Sactown won a game, still in search of our first win
We are officially the only winless team left?
We need to get that onto the Clippers marketing campaign! I want to see that in tomorrow’s LA Times Sports page.
We need a new ad with Paul Davis, Ricky Davis, and Brian Skinner with the tagline: Play Soft. Play Quietly. Winning isn’t everything but losing the right way is. We are the Los Angeles Clippers. And we promise that we will give at least 15% of our effort each night. Because you really can’t give more than 100%, no matter what people say, and if you expend alot of effort and percentages every night, you won’t have any energy left to do anything else.
Let me guess...
You work in marketing, right? Because that’s brilliant stuff there.
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. - Elwood P. Dowd
Refs
Obviously you can’t blame the game on the refs, I felt like the refs were purposely trying to screw the clippers. It was really weird that during the lakers 22-0 stretch there were multiple calls that either were not called or called against the clips. The spread in this game was 13.5 for the Lakers, and they conviently piled it on in the end to cover it. I’m not saying there was any sort of shananigans involved in this game, as we collapsed for the last 7 minutes, but it seems like refs geniunely hate the clippers. Good news is that Tim Thomas can be decent off the bench, and when Camby plays more than 15 minutes, we will be decent. Golden State started 0-7 last year with Baron and he led them to 47 wins. Were heading to a start like that, but I think we definitely can turn it around.
See I can't forget the past, the team won't let me...
I can’t help but be afraid during the 4th quarter of every Clipper game. It must be a curse. Also, what is up with Ricky Davis? I picked the guy on my fantasy team and he’s doing horrible.
Ok now that I'm done fuming...let's put this into perspective...
Did we really expect to win it? No. The end result is as we all thought. A loss. I’m not going to make excuses for this team anymore, the Lakers are a better team right now, period. We did show some promise though and I expect us to keep improving. We should be ready to go, all pistons firing by the time we hit the winnable games.
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