Clippers @ New Orleans - Game Preview and Open Thread
by Steve Perrin
on Jan 9, 2009 5:00 AM PST
53 comments
Los Angeles Clippers @ New Orleans
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2008/2009 NBA Regular Season |
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|---|---|---|
 |
vs. |
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| New Orleans Arena |
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| January 9th, 2009, 5:00 PM | ||
| FSN Prime Ticket, 710 AM |
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| Probable starters: | ||
| Mardy Collins |
PG | Chris Paul |
| Eric Gordon |
SG | Rasual Butler |
| Al Thornton |
SF | Peja Stojakovic |
| Brian Skinner |
PF | Davis West |
| Marcus Camby |
C | Tyson Chandler |
The Back Story:
The Big Picture:
Nine losses in a row and counting. Ten game losing streaks are ugly. The STRK column in the NBA standings goes to double digits (LOST 10). The L10 column looks even worse - 0-10. But this is where we are headed citizens. The Clippers are playing the second game of a back to back. The Hornets are rested. The Clippers are on the road. The Hornets are at home. The Clippers are missing 5 of their top 9 players. The Hornets are completely healthy. This cannot possibly end well. The Clippers managed to be competitive into the fourth quarter of the first meeting, even without Zach Randolph. Eric Gordon had his breakout game in that one, scoring 25 points in his first career start.
The Antagonist:
The Hornets are bound to be a little peeved, coming off their worst defeat of the season Wednesday night in Utah. That doesn't bode well for the Clippers either. Chris Paul and David West are both averaging just over 20 points per game this season, and they are just really, really tough to stop. Paul goes where he wants to on the court, and finds a way to finish at the rim. He's shooting 50% on the season, which is pretty astounding for a guy his size. And West is simply an uncanny mid-range shooter. If he gets an open look inside of 20 feet, he will make it. Add in shooters like Peja Stojakovic and Rasual Butler and James Posey, and a defensive center in Tyson Chadler who knows his role, and this team is very good. I'm not yet convinced that they're an elite team - they're very dependent on CP3, so if you can find a way to disrupt him, they can be beaten. But they're very, very good.
The Subplots:
- Eric Gordon - EJ didn't have his best game against the Spurs, but he still managed to put up 21, his sixth consecutive game over 20. I think he'll have another big game tonight if he's not too tired. He played 40 minutes last night, and is averaging 42 per game in his last 8. I don't think Rasual Butler can stop him. It will be interesting to see if the Hornets put James Posey on him.
- The matchup zone. Yesterday I said that the Spurs were a really bad team to use a zone against, because of their shooters, and because Tony Parker is the best penetrator in the NBA. I lied. Chris Paul is the best penetrator in the NBA. And the Hornets also have a lot of shooters. I sure wouldn't use a lot of zone against these guys if I was the coach. On the other hand, EJ is the only guy on the Clippers even remotely capable of staying in front of CP3 in a man-to-man, and I'm sure that coach doesn't want to wear EJ out on the defensive end, or risk foul trouble. And the pick and roll is less of a problem against the matchup. What to do? It's a dilemma.
- Ones and fours. On this brief trip, the Clippers have faced Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker and Tim Duncan, and tonight they see Chris Paul and David West. Against these all star point guards and power forwards, they are starting Mardy Collins and Brian Skinner. That's just absurd. Like a Pirandello play.
- Thornton. Thornton against Stojakovic is the other matchup the Clippers could conceivably exploit tonight. It's pretty clear that Al and EJ have to carry the scoring load for the time being. I'd definitely like to see Al make quicker and better decisions, but he shot very well in San Antonio last night (10 for 18) but he didn't get to the line a single time, which tells you he wasn't really attacking the rim.
- Julian Wright. Anyone know what's going on with Julian Wright? He's only played 32 minutes for them since the beginning of December, and hasn't even been on the active roster lately, but I can't find any injury reports on him. Byron Scott's doghouse is infamous - past residents included J.R. Smith and one Baron Davis. Is it possible that Byron simply has deactivated last year's promising lottery pick? In favor of the likes of Melvin Ely and Sean Marks? Yikes.
- All Star for one night. Citizen Lawler's Law reminded me that I hadn't included this feature in my last couple of previews. The old ClipperSteve reverse mojo hex could have taken Roger Mason Jr. right out of last night's game if only I'd remembered. For New Orleans let's go with Rasual Butler. There is a precedent - in March of 2006 he scored 32 against the Clippers, which I'm going to say is his career high, without even looking it up, because that's how I roll.
- Get the Hornets perspective at the Hiive.
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Is it possible that Byron simply has deactivated last year's promising lottery pick? In favor of the likes of Melvin Ely and Sean Marks?
Yes, yes it is.
by atthehive on
Jan 9, 2009 9:29 AM PST
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Oh man...
You must be thrilled with that!
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
Jan 9, 2009 9:58 AM PST
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good call
it could happen.
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
Jan 9, 2009 10:27 AM PST
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How about Julian Wright
Since the clippers are going small, He could sneak in for several Off. rebs.
by Qlippers on
Jan 9, 2009 10:28 AM PST
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Won't be playing
In Byron Scott’s doghouse. He likely won’t even be on the active roster, if you can believe that.
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
Jan 9, 2009 10:40 AM PST
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the Pirandello reference is money
As a guido I really appreciate, kudos. I love Clips Nation because of these nuggets also
Any update about Randolph comeback? I need him in fantasy :-)
I’ll watch the Clips tomorrow, replaying, barring blackouts in Italy
I would say that Clippers’ efficiency and Clips Nation’s efficiency are inversely proportional (assuming you use this expression, but I’m sure you got what I’d like to say…)
http://sixers4guidos.wordpress.com/
by Ricky - Sixers4guidos on
Jan 9, 2009 1:59 PM PST
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Italian guy using money is money
On your inversely proportional thing, are you saying that the blog is best when the Clippers are worst? Thanks. I think. Not sure I want to win that game.
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
Jan 9, 2009 6:48 PM PST
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yeah, more or less
or, in other words, that the team sucks just as much as the blog rocks
and the team REALLY sucks…
http://sixers4guidos.wordpress.com/
by Ricky - Sixers4guidos on
Jan 10, 2009 2:46 PM PST
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On Julian...
Scott decided a few weeks back that Wright is too unpredictable and unpolished on the court and took him out of the rotation. The fact that the Hornets are loaded at the small forward position may also play a role, as does the fact that the Hornets are in “win now” mode as opposed to “develop young talent” mode.
I and most other Hornets fans are not at all pleased with the decision to keep him in a suit and tie. It is true that Wright can be an unpredictable player… but his potential is too huge to be wasted. I’ve said many times that if the Hornets are as good as we all believe them to be, then the occasional mistakes of a young player are something that should be easily overcome. Juju can’t get better without getting actual playing time. I do have a feeling he’ll get another shot sometime this season… the fact that Marks and Devin Brown have had their minutes cut as of late is somewhat of a good sign.
Oh and and good prediction on Butler having a good game…
by Caleb462 on
Jan 9, 2009 6:24 PM PST
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Butler
Yeah, I nailed that one. Actually, it usually works the other way. Whoever I pick to have a great game completely disappears. Usually.
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
Jan 9, 2009 6:41 PM PST
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we were making a run in the 3rd...down to 9...
then AT holds the ball at the FT line for what seems forever…ends up being an ugly rushed shot by skinner…could have cut it to 7 and had momentum on their sides…AT’s is starting to frustrate me as much as CM’s!
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 6:40 PM PST
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Are you watching the same game?
Camby missed a layup when they were down nine. Followed by the Butler three. Not sure which possession with AT you’re talking about.
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
Jan 9, 2009 6:42 PM PST
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right before the 3 by Butler...Ralph even called it not a good possession
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 6:43 PM PST
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Check the play by play...
You’re off by a possession or two. I think it was a missed Camby layup directly before the Butler three. Not that it really matters.
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
Jan 9, 2009 6:45 PM PST
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right after that, 3ptr just crushes the Clippers hopes...you can see it in their faces...
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 6:40 PM PST
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that zone they were playing in the 1st and 2nd qrt was ugly! i have never seen a team play that kind of defense
seemed like a zone then it transformed into a M2M then back to a zone …
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 6:42 PM PST
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that's what a matchup is supposed to do
Man to man principles in zones on the floor.
I missed the first half, but the third quarter I HATE the zone. Certainly against this team.
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
Jan 9, 2009 6:43 PM PST
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that zone allowed Skinner to set a pick for CP3 for an easy layup...yuck!
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 6:45 PM PST
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that was in the 1st qtr by the way...
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 6:46 PM PST
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How about my call on Butler?
Nailed it!
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
Jan 9, 2009 6:46 PM PST
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i was shaking my head in disbelief after he started 4-4 from the 3pt line
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 6:51 PM PST
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isn't it the clippers luck that the year in which they have a good record, one of the most dominant PGs in the league gets drafted...
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 6:49 PM PST
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i hope Novak got some legit playing time when everyone comes back
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 6:51 PM PST
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MDsr has to get Marcus out of there...come on! we don't need him to come up limp in a 20 pt loss...
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 6:54 PM PST
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CS...if it weren't for the trade or injuries, do you think Gordon would be playing this season?
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 6:57 PM PST
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Not a lot
Depends on Ricky some. But I’m the guy that coined the phrase ‘Blanket’ for Cat Mobley. No way Gordon was playing more minutes that Cat this season, if Cat was still here. No way.
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
Jan 9, 2009 7:03 PM PST
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zone again
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:02 PM PST
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LL
Did you hear the i’view with Z-bo? Anything to report?
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
Jan 9, 2009 7:04 PM PST
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didn't hear the answer of when he'd be back...making dinner at the time...
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:07 PM PST
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he said he got his name from dbo of the movie friday. just as i suspected haha.
also mardy collins is pretty good… i thought it was a fluke but actually he had a stretch of good games in NY when he was starting. ralph – “was zach randolph the throw in ?”
by andrewexd on
Jan 9, 2009 10:03 PM PST
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I know those guys!
They just showed two season ticket holders who won a contest to go to the game in NO. I met them at a viewing party once.
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
Jan 9, 2009 7:05 PM PST
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Cool! did Ralph just say they fly with the team?
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:06 PM PST
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Yeah...
they do.
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
Jan 9, 2009 7:07 PM PST
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was that the JetBlue contest?
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:10 PM PST
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WTF?
Did Byron Scott just put CP3 back into a 16 point game with 4:44 left? What’s he thinking?
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
Jan 9, 2009 7:07 PM PST
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making a run!
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:07 PM PST
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Cleveland up by 10
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:08 PM PST
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man...once Gordon starts getting calls, he will live at the FT line
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:08 PM PST
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Mardy 6-9 tonight...not bad...
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:09 PM PST
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NO Stockton!!
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:12 PM PST
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Isiah or Stockton? I'll take Stockton...
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:13 PM PST
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"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:14 PM PST
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<a href=“”<a href=“”425" height="344">
" >“/>” >
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:16 PM PST
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LOL!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jJVVEa5JHY
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:17 PM PST
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we got our 6th man!
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:17 PM PST
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Novak!
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:18 PM PST
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Poor DMac...analyze this game D!
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:18 PM PST
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Let's see if we catch that rare Crab move...
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:21 PM PST
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looking forward to the recap
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:21 PM PST
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Jackson and VanGundy are a funny pair!
"Duck, Crab. Crab, Duck"
Roger Sterling - Mad Men
by Lawler's Law on
Jan 9, 2009 7:24 PM PST
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damn we suck!
badly beaten on every quarter as well
these games are the just plain unwatchable. at least if we lose but dunleavy should at least make the games look fun. give the season ticket holders their moneys worth. i don’t know why for some reason, the clippers is my team but if i wasn’t a fan, i won’t watch any of of their games at all.
i miss the old school nba though. overall, that league was much better too watch.
NBA… do your job and entertain!
and oh.. for those people that doesn’t think that fast paced offenses like Mike D’ Antonni’s can’t win a championship… I think they could.
The only reason that I think this is a misconception because only two coaches uses it.
2/28!!! 7% chance that one of them will win a championship.
sorry about the long rant hehehe,,,, all i’m saying that if we’re going to lose. i’d like to be alive after the game by not being bored to death.
I don’t know how you season ticket holders do it. I bet some of you have dozed off during games… :D… come on admit it! lol
by cliptakular on
Jan 9, 2009 10:10 PM PST
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