Clippers vs. Dallas - Open Thread
by Steve Perrin on Oct 31, 2009 7:15 PM PDT
in Game Threads
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PrintDallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Clippers, Oct 31, 2009 7:30 PM PDT
| 2009/2010 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
vs. |  |
| 0-3 | 1-1 |
|
| Staples Center |
||
| October 31st, 2009, 7:30 PM | ||
| Prime Ticket, 980 AM |
||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Baron Davis |
PG | Jason Kidd |
| Eric Gordon |
SG | Quinton Ross |
| Al Thornton |
SF | Shawn Marion |
| Marcus Camby |
PF | Dirk Nowitzki |
| Chris Kaman |
C | Erick Dampier |
The Back Story:
- First meeting. Dallas won the season series last year 3-1.
First Quarter Notes:
One characteristic of last season's Clippers was that they tended to get off to horrible starts. (Of course, they also had terrible middles and atrocious ends, but for the purposes of my current point, I'll focus on the starts.)
Starting well, at least on offense, hasn't been a problem the last few games. The Clippers have opened on fire against Phoenix, Utah and Dallas (although they have already cooled off some as I write this). Chris Kaman opened this game 4 for 5, and Eric Gordon hit two threes (and missed a couple layups also). Unfortunately, they have cooled off considerably.
With two first quarter fouls each on Gordon and Baron, MDsr has had to go to Telfair and Kareem Rush in the backcourt (Butler is playing the three). This is a bit problematic with Jason Terry on the court - Butler had trouble with smaller two guards in the pre-season, and I don't think Rush can handle him either. It's become cleaer early in the season that Gordon is crucial to this team, but especially so against this team since Terry will get the lion's share of the minutes at the two.
In the first quarter, MDsr is playing cat-and-mouse with Nowitzki. When Dirk went out for a quick rest, he brought Smith in for Camby. When Dirk checked back in at the five, he brought Camby back and took out Kaman.
The good news after last night's debacle is that the Clippers are doing a good job on the glass: up 17-10 at the quarter break. Kaman (4) and Camby (5) are both being active on the boards.
These Mavs unis are pretty ugly. What is that font anyway? It's like something from the 70s.
At the break, Clippers up four, 27-23, on a Bassy three.
Second Quarter Notes:
MDsr sticks with the same unit to start the second quarter (Bassy, Rush, Butler, Smith and Camby), but comes back with Gordon and his two fouls after about a minute. Seems like a good idea.
For Dallas' reserves, I like JJ Barea a lot, although I am amazed that he's able to be so effective at his size. Kris Humphries I have no use for (as soon as I write that, he scores 4 straight), and Matt Carroll seems almost as one dimensional as Steve Novak, who can't get off the Clippers' bench, and Carroll is hardly the shooter Novak is. Of course, Josh Howard is hurt right now, so that is hurting their depth. Is Drew Gooden hurt too (he's on the active list)? Or is he behind Humphries on the depth chart?
Carlisle is treating Kaman like MDsr is treating Dirk. If he's in the game, Dampier is in to defend him. If Kaman goes out, Dampier goes out. I won't be surprised if we see Dirk on Kaman later in the game.
When Dirk goes out for another brief rest in the second, Camby sits back down, and we get our first glimpse of Kaman and Jordan together this season - the BIG bigs. Unfortunately, the experiment starts disasterously. In three trips, DJ has a travel, a terrible post move that does not draw iron, and a three second violation. He has single-handedly ground the Clippers' offense to a halt.
The Clippers reach the bonus with 6 minutes left in the quarter - a nice change from the FT shooting deficits they've been experiencing. It helps them regain the lead. But some sloppy passing (and it must be said, much more active Dallas defense), leads to a spate of late turnovers. Dallas' half court offense has been pretty stale (Jason Terry is ice cold in the first half), so giving them the ball in transition is a particularly idea.
For the Clippers Al Thornton is having a tough time. He's 1-6 in the half. Like Camby on Nowitzki, MDsr clearly wants Al on Marion. You can understand it, because Marion would be a pretty tough cover for Butler just from a size and strength standpoint. The irony is that Marion is also eating up Thornton here in the second. Could Butler be much worse?
You can't end a half much worse than fouling a three point shooter and then getting a technical foul for arguing the call with a four point lead on an inbound play with 2 seconds left. At least the shot didn't go in - could have been a five point play I guess. I didn't have any view of the play, so I can't say, but Telfair was so pissed off that you kind of have to assume that Jason Terry was selling that call. That's definitely going to be one of the plays I watch on the DVR tonight.
The shame is that the Clippers had just built the lead on 5 points in 5 seconds, as Baron got a layup and Kaman stole the inbounds pass, and finished an and-one around Kidd.
Kaman, it must be said, is an absolute terror right now. He scored 19 points in 19 first half minutes, and shot 8 for 10. The jumper is pure right now. Milph joked about the Olajuwon Dream Shake move during the Utah game, but it's not really too far off. He's making the baseline fadeaway, and it's basically unguardable.
After all that, we're once again tied at the half, 55 all. For the last three games, the half time scores have been tied with Phoenix, tied with Utah, tied with Dallas. The other two ended badly, as I recall.
Third Quarter Notes:
I don't know if this has been the case in the other Dallas games Ross started, but Carlisle makes no pretense in the second half - Jason Terry is on the floor to start the half. I don't really understand this game. If Terry is your guy, just start him. It seems a little like they're gaming the sixth man award with this charade. "He's our sixth man - he doesn't start the game. He just comes in at the first stoppage in play and never leaves again."
Al Thornton continues to struggle. The funny thing is, lots of people say Al should stop taking jumpers. Well guess what? Several times tonight he's passed up a jumper, only to drive into the teeth of Marion's defense. Al actually needs to take the jumper when it's there if he is to be effective.
Turnovers (once again) are killing the Clippers in the third. Terry is overplaying the passing lanes, and the Clippers are just giving him the ball.
Nine minutes into the quarter the Clippers have 7 points, and find themselves behind by 12. The Mavericks came out of the locker room with more energy. They're getting all of the steals and all of the rebounds.
Bassy is having a tough game. Yes, he's made a couple of threes, but that's not really his game, and he's hurting the team in other ways. There was of course the foul at the end of the half. But he also seems to be forcing things.
Throughout the quarter, the Clippers seem completely incapable of getting a stop. Then, on the Mavs' last possession of the quarter, they force a 24 second clock violation. Can they replicate that effort in the fourth quarter?
End of the third quarter - Mavs 80, Clippers 71. The Mavs won the quarter 25-16. Ouch.
Fourth Quarter Notes:
OK, I promise I won't start working on a 'Clippers win' post this time. Of course, it doesn't look like it would be necessary tonight.
Five minutes into the quarter, the Clipper reserves with Kaman and Gordon, have tied the game. The Mavs counter with their starters. The Clippers have three shots at the lead, but Gordon gets stuffed by Dampier on a dunk attempt, and Bassy misses an ill-advised jumper, and then Kidd steals a pass before Terry makes a three. I do however have to give Bassy some credit, after saying bad things about him in the third. He's done well here, pushing the ball and getting it to people in good spots.
You don't often see the 'clearing out' offensive foul call where the shooter is whistled for using his off-hand to protect his shot - Jason Terry has been called twice, both wiping out baskets.
The psychology of trailing is significant. The Clippers had three chances to take the lead in the fourth quarter and came up empty, only getting one decent shot. A few minutes later, down three, Eric Gordon had a great look at a tying three and missed. The Clippers were scoreless the final 4:42, and outscored 11-2 from the point that they tied the game.
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Starting Lineups
Starting Lineups are confirmed.
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
Ugh, showing the Blazers game instead of the Clips on LP.
What gives?
Stuck in limbo.
I'm not in Cali atm...
Not sure that should affect anything. :|
Stuck in limbo.
Question...
When were female Halloween costumes taken over by the adult entertainment industry? I mean, I’m not complaining, but it’s a little ridiculous.
My 17 year old neice wanted to ge Snow White for H-ween this year. Only, she actually wanted to be Snow White, not sexy Snow White or slutty Snow White or stripper Snow White. They looked everywhere, could not find a normal adult sized Snow White costume, among the hundreds of choices. My sister had to make one for her.
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
Adult Costumes are different
The kids get their conservative and family friendly costumes while the adults get to go to bars/clubs and dress up in umm less conservative ways. I guess the teenagers are left in the dark since they are not really kids anymore and not yet full-grown adults.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Oct 31, 2009 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions
do you have sample pics from staples center?
Roger Sterling: To my knees, Don. They're bringing to my knees!"
by Lawler's Law on Oct 31, 2009 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Matchups.
Camby opens on Dirk.
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
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 Oct 31, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Al with 3 blocks against and is 0-3
but all good shot in the paint and getting the board and kicking it out for the assist.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 7:51 PM PDT reply actions
Thorton starting again… sigh.
Nice start though. Kaman is looking like an absolute all-star.
Did Gordon miss this many layups last year?
Throughout the whole year?
Yes probably.
by Michael White on Oct 31, 2009 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions
He had issues finishing...
I remember it distinctly
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 Oct 31, 2009 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Come on Camby you're no PG
Saw that coming.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 7:56 PM PDT reply actions
I’m for allowing veteran players their eccentricities.
Baron can have his 2 bad 3s a game and Camby can have his ridiculous PG dreams once every couple games.
f**k that lol
Not when this team is 0-3. No one gets “veteran privileges”. Stick to fundamentals. Camby did the same crap last year too. Too long and lanky to slow himself down and would get the offensive foul.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions
NBA players don’t seem to be rational human beings. If their coaches haven’t got them to stop making stupid decisions this late in their careers they aren’t ever going to change. Just have to take the good with the bad.
Yeah you're right
I know they wont change or take those little things into consideration. Just ridiculous Camby is acting like a PG
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions
I rather play like crap in the first rather
Than the fourth. We r lucky to have any lead
by Qlippers on Oct 31, 2009 8:10 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Argh, is anyone else's LP wonky?
Online stream ftl.
Stuck in limbo.
EG lucky to get the foul call
gotta make those
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 8:17 PM PDT reply actions
Ah DJ killing us
shame, he was doing so well.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 8:25 PM PDT reply actions
He needs some easy buckets for confidence
Hell, everyone needs an easy bucket
by Qlippers on Oct 31, 2009 8:26 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Man dead here tonight
Guess everyone out having fun haha.
I hate missing Clipper games, besides I wanna see their first win tonight ;)
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 8:33 PM PDT reply actions
getting ready more likely
I’m Manny Pacquiao, hopefully the Clippers get a win before my next bout versus Cotto.
FA in 2010.
Favorite Clipper Spirit
Gotta go with Shannon, since she’s old school Been on the team 6 years, the only one I know from before. (She’s dressed like the sexy sailor girl tonight).
But of the new crop, there’s a redhead I like. I have a thing for redheads. She’s the sexy jungle girl, or sexy viney girl, or maybe she’s poison ivy. But it’s pretty good, whatever it is.
There is, coincidentally, a sexy Snow White tonight (funny since I referenced it earlier) and a sexy Queen of Hearts from Alice, which is at least a little more unusual. Sexy piratess, sexy flapper, sexy saloon girl, sexy super heroine (two of 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
What was Baron pissed about?
Seems like the Clippers threw the ball away and Dallas got a dunk. Don’t know what there is to say to the refs about 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
He's cranky
what’s up with these turnovers come on.
My lord how do we blow up like this.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Al just unlucky
Finally drives to the hoop and gets 4 blocked shots.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 8:43 PM PDT reply actions
Wow Dun thanks for bringing Bassy
Seriously what was wrong with the guys on the floor? Only got you 2 steals and a block in 10 seconds. F**k!!!!! up by 4 until that. What a buzz kill.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 8:48 PM PDT reply actions
Gotta give props to MDSR
we all complained in the past that this team didn’t run enough, but I have defnitely noticed a more uptempo pace in the few games this year.
Now they just need to play 48 minutes and pull out a W.
by The Blake Griffin Era on Oct 31, 2009 8:51 PM PDT reply actions
Marion is 5-12
Al is solid on defense.
4 of his 7 attemtps (Al) were in the paint with 4 defenders going up against him.
He’s playing much better.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 8:57 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah a bit
but he’s keeping his shot attempts tough
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Dunleavy
has to stop making defensive substitutions like these.(see Ewing, Daniel)
that's another play for the DVR
Camby called for the loose ball foul early in the third. I had the same angle as Dan Crawford who called it, and I guarantee you he did not actually see a push. Did Dirk just throw his hands up and jump forward after the ball went over his head, or did he get pushed? I don’t know. And neither does Dan Crawford, but it didn’t stop him from making the 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
Yeah was thinking the same think
Camby had a hand on his back but no shove the way Dirk sold it.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Trade al
Dribbling into a triple team?
by Qlippers on Oct 31, 2009 9:15 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
F**k that get rid of BD first
he wants to play a suns offense go to phoenix or NY
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions
still have hope for al
he’s off to a slow start
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Al has 1 turnover
BD has 4.
Hell Kaman has 3.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions
WTF
is this 3 seconds or less offense?
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 9:15 PM PDT reply actions
Let's see...
How will Butler do on Marion?
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
So I guess we gave up on offense
and now defense
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 9:19 PM PDT reply actions
WTF Telfair
http://www.clipperscurse.com/
by ClippersCurse on Oct 31, 2009 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Is Terry playing great d on
Ej? Seems like he can’t get the ball
by Qlippers on Oct 31, 2009 9:20 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Fourth quarter implosion
In the third
by Qlippers on Oct 31, 2009 9:21 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Lucky call for Butler
clean block but I’ll take it. Need some points
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 9:27 PM PDT reply actions
sorta..
That really killed us momentum wise. He made a 3, he gave up 4. Still blame Dun as Bassy shouldn’t of been out there.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Does anyone know if we comment on the clipsnation app for iPhone?
by Qlippers on Oct 31, 2009 9:36 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Not yet...
I think they’re working on it.
You can comment on the mobile site (mobile.clippers.com)… but not on the app.
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 Oct 31, 2009 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Good job guys!
That’s good ball movement. Calm and collective.
Ok now that this unit has chipped away at the deficit, leave them in!
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 9:36 PM PDT reply actions
Where is everyone tonight?
76 comments at the start of the fourth quarter? Halloween parties?
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
yeah im assuming halloween parties. theres just us who didnt get invited to parties or who are truly dedicated clipper fans.
or typical losers like me who are fans of a loser team
http://www.clipperscurse.com/
by ClippersCurse on Oct 31, 2009 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Don't let these guys off the floor!
Keep chippin away
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 9:40 PM PDT reply actions
probably chuck it
not even joking. He wants to be the savior.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Come on guys get over the hump
Dig in. Now or never
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 9:49 PM PDT reply actions
Gettng over this hump is nervewrecking
by Qlippers on Oct 31, 2009 9:50 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
FYI
Kaman is at his career high. I’m actually a little surprised. I would have thought he’d have had a 30 point game two seasons ago when he was the go to guy.
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
Was never this effective though.
good for him, he’s playing great.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Yikes...
Don’t schedule a game on Halloween if you can avoid it. The attendance tonight is 13,626.
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
If we subtitute
We would all say “don’t take out the guys that got u here”
by Qlippers on Oct 31, 2009 10:06 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Come on!!!!!
Rebound!!!
Fianlly get the stop and Smith rushes it.
Well at least Dun let the starters sit (except EG and Kaman) for their poor play.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 9:55 PM PDT reply actions
And that's the dagger.
Be surprised if he beat the Wolves. Don’t know why everyone thinks it’s a gimmie with this team.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 9:57 PM PDT reply actions
Give Lucas a chance at head coach
Dunleavy has to go. This is a talented club, but the whole is a lot less than the sum of its parts. The team plays without leadership or direction. Players look lost and the play is disorganized.
Time for a change.
the next stretch of teams the clips play are teams we can beat. if we lose these, its gonna be hot seat time.
nobody wants to see the same of the last years again
if we don t win on Monday, Dunleavy must leave.
by edu_argentina on Oct 31, 2009 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions
you know he wont though.
Unless Sterling finds his conscience.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Everyone, even the Lakers,
were teams we could beat. This team doesn’t have a winning mentality. Seems like they play well through 3 because there’s no pressure. They lose the lead, they have time to get it back.
When the 4th hits and the clock is winding down, they stop doing EVERYTHING that was working for 36 minutes
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions
I guess if you put it that way
Sure everyone is beatable. I guess the rams could beat the saints.
I had this team at 0-4, but if they go 0-5. Time to fire coach
by Qlippers on Oct 31, 2009 10:16 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Even though Eric Gordon choked his @$$ off
Baron and Camby played terrible but to not go to Baron for a closeout who can be a threat is plain dumb. The team had multiple trips only down by one there was no attempt to stop and get a play which a higher percentage of converting a bucket.
Exactly,
if he´s not going to play at the end of the game, how exaclty is he going to lead this ballclub?
by edu_argentina on Oct 31, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions
He played 41 minutes in back to back games.
He needs to get some rest, but Dunleavy just leaves him out there. Gordon is effeceint, but when he only gets to touch the ball every five possessions he is going to be off his game. He needs more touches and more rest.
Credit Dallas d
Ej couldn’t get the ball because Dallas knew to deny the ball to both Kaman and ej
by Qlippers on Oct 31, 2009 10:19 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
This is true
EJ and Kaman were denied the basketball in many of our offensive sets, but that does not mean we can’t run the offense.
True but intead of telfair swinging the ball
To seek a third option he tried to force the issue as if he paniced
by Qlippers on Oct 31, 2009 10:24 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
See it time and time again
Crucial possessions and we get a turnover or rushed shot against the clock. Comes down to poor coaching. It has caused us to lose every game. The only time we were successful at this was when we had Cassel who was like a coach on the floor.
by thewhiteshadow on Oct 31, 2009 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions
And credit also goes to low iq bball players
by Qlippers on Oct 31, 2009 10:19 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Kaman is one of these, but he has skill
The shot clock violation was a costly turnover, everyone on the court should have known there was 3 seconds left.
I think
that players don´t trust the coach and his system. In the crucial time, they decide to do some free lancing instead of following the coach.
by edu_argentina on Oct 31, 2009 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I will give you guys one number, 29!
That is all the points this team could manage after an excellent first half in which they scored 55! This team might be able to win a half with Kaman getting the ball, but with they guys we have we need to get out and run, run, run. The final 4 minutes of the fourth were terrible. The ball did not move and we barely got any shots on offense. Right now, this team’s fourth quarter offensive sets would not beat a division two college basketball team. I have noticed this trend with this team and if I can see it, the coaches shoudl be able to see it too.
We just arent getting good possessions in the fourth quarter. This has to do with personel on the court as well as the offensive sets that are being ran.
It´s simple
when players don´t trust their system, they will try something else. This players don´t believe they can win with Dunleavy. It´s evident.
by edu_argentina on Oct 31, 2009 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I disagree.....
I think they trust their coach, I just really truly believe that the players are letting the injury to Blake affect their game. I am not a betting man, but I would bet my car that when Blake comes back the teams points per game and wins go up.
Let's get Mondays game
And sit AT on the bench and start sool
by Qlippers on Oct 31, 2009 10:22 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Mondays game will be the first win of the season
If it isn’t then this team is just simply not focused.
I agree with that
only because Sool doesn’t create any offense with an already limited second unit.
Al can do what sool does if he didn’t take any shots.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions
what car do you have hahaha?
Maybe I´m too harsh but i´m tired of all these years of watching the other teams executing cleanly on us , and we can´t even get a shot off.
That is sad then.
Lakers missed Gasol,Mavs Howard, Suns J-Rich, Jazz Okur. If you can’t win a balanced playing field then you don’t know how to win at all.
I will be honest with you when I say that
Blake Griffin is more important to this team than those players are for their teams. Gasol is a very close second, but with Bynum and Odom they have players that take his place. The Clippers have no player that can give you what Blake can.
guys, honestly, i dont think we have the talent to be an elite team right now.
Hopefully when Blake returns, he can be that player that gets us over the hump.
He is
No doubt he is that player. Think about it this way. Those two offensive boards that the Mavs got with a minute left were very costly, but with Blake out there those would have been our possession.
I know....
Talk about a scoring threat in the paint. I don’t know if an opposing team will get a defensive board off of a Clippers shot attempt in the paint.
The effort
Effort is up and down the team can’t see to stay focused and either relax on D or Rush it on offense.
So the positive is up from last year
by Qlippers on Oct 31, 2009 10:30 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I will say that there are positives
We have competed through three quarters, either tied trailing by one, or winning against four playoff caliber teams.
Yeah I mean this team is definitely better than last year
but it’s the dreaded 4th quarter that leaves the Clipps looking at the same record.
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Same thing could be said for the Mavs
How close is this game if they have Josh Howard instead of a struggling Terry.
Terry struggling and his still leaves with 16 points
BD 9
Al 6
Butler 1
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Let's look on the bright side...
We are on pace to have the most ping-pong balls in the 2010 draft lottery.
I've got nothing.
78 games left
This team could very easily go 48-30 and finish the season with a 48-34 record. I still think this team is a 40+ win team.
What do you base this opinion on?
Every year I go in thinking “this is going to be the Clippers year”, and every year disaster seems to ensue.
I've got nothing.
Blake Griffin and the improvement in other players
Plus we have a deeper bench and we have seen this team compete hard.
Who are we going to take though?
John Wall? Baron still has some years on his contract everyone after Wall is pretty much a PF we already have Griffin.
If stats matter than yes, but this is way too early to talk all-star
Let’s get a few wins under our belt first :-)
In 4 games
definite all star.
But since fans vote these guys in no way a Clipper makes it there.
I forget, do coaches get to vote anyone in?
by dulciusEXasperis on Oct 31, 2009 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions
It hurts Kaman that we are losing
Even though there is a chance a good player on a bad team can still make the playoffs a terrible team just can’t be overlooked.
I'd trade in this great play...
For a 3-1 record in a heart beat.
Let us not forget that the Clippers have been delt a very tough schedule to start the season
We have played 4 games in 5 nights and on monday, that will be 5 games in 7 nights.
If you don’t think this has something to do with not being able to produce in the fourth than you dont know basketball.
I know it doesnt make sense to say "if", but
if the Clippers had Blake Griffin they would not be 0-4.
I don't think a rookie can be a difference maker four games into a season.
If we were 0-4, with Blake, you would be saying our record would be different if Baron Davis didn’t have a bad foot.
There are always going to be excuses, but the fact of the matter is we are the Clippers, and losing is what we do.
I've got nothing.
I'm with you 50/50 on that
Agree there are a lot of what if’s that would “potentially” change our record. But at the same time not having Griffin is a bigger blow then having Davis with an allegedly hurt foot. Is it even still hurt? The staff, nor Ralph or Mike every bring it up.
Davis has been playing better than he’s ever played last season. But bad foot or not, he’ll always be a chucker and always shoot a low FG% and a terrible 3pt%.
Blake is a #1 draft pick who is more than ready to contribute and he’s more than capable of making a solid impact. At the very least, Blake would be giving the team energy and hustle the entire 48 minutes.
by dulciusEXasperis on Nov 1, 2009 7:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Not The Only One
I think they’d be 0-4 with Griffin available as well. I’m going to be generous and say Dunleavy is doing okay as GM, but it’s time for a coaching change.
Lets start a petition to fire dunleavy
Someone should start a petition to fire dunleavy
I want Novak to start
At this point with Butler and Thortn being so unsteady on both ends Novak will bea nice risk.
The Clippers will be 16-16 on Jan 1st.
After looking at the schedule for the months of Nov and Dec the Clippers will no doubt be at the worst a .500 team :-)
god I hope so haha
I want better than that record though ;)
by dulciusEXasperis on Nov 1, 2009 7:28 AM PDT up reply actions
After looking at the schedule we will be 12-20 on Jan. 1
This is a more realistic viewpoint. and at least they can start viewing the upside of the John Wall swwepstakes.
by crab dribble cocktail on Nov 1, 2009 8:16 AM PDT up reply actions
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