Clippers 93 - Minnesota 90 - That's More Like It, Except for it Isn't
by Steve Perrin on Nov 2, 2009 11:07 PM PST
in Game Recaps
166 comments
The Clippers were 0-4 before tonight's game, and I was pretty scared about the team. Now that they've gotten their first win, 93-90 over the Timberwolves, I'm terrified.
If we can look at the losses and rationalize that at least they came against good teams, then we also have to look at this win and say that it came against a team whose best and essentially only good player is still recovering from a major knee injury.
Throughout the first quarter, as the Clippers were making 9 of their first 10 shots, they weren't putting any distance between themselves and the Wolves, because turnovers once again were giving the opponent lots of extra opportunities. So although the Clippers seemed to play well enough to control the game, they never really did. Neither Chris Kaman nor Eric Gordon missed in the first quarter - and yet LA trailed by 2 in the final minute of the period.
The real problem came in the third quarter, as indeed it did against Dallas on Saturday. After making 4 of their fist 7 shots in the period, LA proceeded to miss nine in a row, and 14 of 15 stretching into early in the fourth quarter. But I don't think we can hang this one on the coach. I've criticized MDsr plenty, but he can't go out there and make shots for people. Rasual Butler missed three layups during the lull, Gordon got several good looks at jump shots that he missed - in short, they were getting decent shots, they just weren't making any of them. Combined with the turnovers, they allowed the Timberwolves to erase all of a 13 point Clipper lead and to take the lead early in the fourth quarter. The turnovers were a little reminiscent of the Dallas third quarter - in particular, the play were Baron forced a lazy entry pass into a closely guarded Gordon on the wing at 9:20 was almost identical to a steal by Jason Terry at about the same point of Saturday's loss.
The good news for the team continues to be Chris Kaman. He entered the game averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds per game, and best both of those numbers by going to 25 and 11. It was his fourth consecutive game with 20 or more points - his previous career high was two in a row. Two seasons ago when he had his (first?) break out season, he was still just a 16 point per game scorer. He's at a different level offensively right now. It should be noted that he's not rebounding quite like he did that season, but playing next to Marcus Camby may have something to do with that. There are fewer rebounds for Kaman with Camby out there than there were with Tim Thomas as a sidekick. By the way, Kaman also had 2 blocked shots, and shot 10 for 15 from the floor, boosting his season shooting percentage to an even 60%.
MDsr made the move we've been expecting, inserting Rasual Butler into the starting small forward spot and bringing Al Thornton off the bench. Butler responded with a nightmare shooting performance, hitting just 3 of 15 shots. During a crucial possession in the final minutes and the Clippers up two, Butler missed a wide open three short, and after a Camby backtap on the offensive rebound, got an even better look at a three - and missed it short again. Fortunately, the Clippers again got the rebound, and after Kaman was fouled he made one of two to make it a three point lead. Butler needs to take Camby to dinner for those back taps, because he could well have been the goat of this game had Marcus not kept those rebounds alive.
Al Thornton didn't fare much better off the bench than he has as a starter. He was just 2 for 6, and he clearly lacks confidence right now. The Clippers thought they had two good choices at the small forward - but tonight Butler would have been lucky to be the lesser of two evils.
So it goes down in the books as a win, just as the first four games went down as losses. I suppose you could take the optimistic position that the Clippers were good enough to win despite missing 14 of 15 shots; you could call it a gutty win on an off shooting night. You could.
But the simple fact is, I'm more worried about this season than ever.
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title of this one should be to close for comfort
the clips really got to cut down on turnovers. If they even cut there turnovers in half from this game it would have been a 20 point blowout. Other then that I thought most of the team had a good game. Thornton still continues to struggle but everyone else looks solid. I like that Baron and Gordon are looking to drive and I hope they keep doing it. And if Kaman keeps playing like this it may not be silly to think he could be an all star especially with Yao gone and Shaq in the east who is the next best center.
In Gordon we trust
All-Star Center
If Al Jeff can get back to form after injury then he is probably the best center in the West (I still don’t know if we count Tim Duncan or not), but Kaman has a legit chance to be the man in the game this year. Sadly, I think it will probably go to Bynum though.
next up a hungry gsw looking for their first win
zbo (scored 30 and 10+ rebs tonight!) and AI after that…yikes!
Roger Sterling: To my knees, Don. They're bringing to my knees!"
but they still lost
even against a very bad Kings team. If it weren’t for Kmart there would be no Kings team.
In Gordon we trust
Clips will lose both games
…unless they do something to improve their performance. Minnesota did manage to hang in for awhile and put points up against Phoenix, but along with Sacramento they’re still the worst of the worst. GSW has a lot more weapons and if the Clips play another bad game they’ll lose.
Perhaps by now some citizens are aware of my keen interest in the rising fortunes of the Memphis Funk. They were funky last night, allowing Kevin Martin to score 48 points. Zbo had 30 points and fouled out, so I don’t think he was around for overtime, and Mark Gasol and OJ Mayo played 45+ minutes. Kind of like a bottom dwellers playoff game. Gasol is very good and the Funk have a potent offense and a good roster. I haven’t studied last night’s game too closely, but it was the King’s debut in a Funk uniform, but he only played limited minutes and came off the bench.
Given the way that the Clippers have played thus far, Memphis will beat them, and then they will beat them again a few games later. SP is right to be scared.
The hope is that the three nights off will allow the Clips to regroup and focus, and correct some mistakes. Just because the schedule seemed easy, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t present problems, and those have been magnified by the Clippers extremely poor play thus far.
by citizen zhiv on Nov 3, 2009 10:31 AM PST up reply actions
Feeling better
Just read KA’s post, which is helpful. But the Clips still need to play better. They have to rally up to defend the homecourt, for one thing.
by citizen zhiv on Nov 3, 2009 10:36 AM PST up reply actions
Fun to check in on the Funk
You notice that Gasol played 50 minutes in last night’s OT game, while Thabeet played ONE. Talk about a lack of confidence. Thabeet even got a personal foul, giving him 7 fouls in 13 minutes over two games. Wow, that’s gotta be entertaining.
Based on Summer League
That’s Thabeet.
13PF per 36 minutes so far this season. He could foul out TWICE per game if they would let him.
Gasol and Thabeet--and Iverson
I would have said the same thing before I saw them play for a couple of minutes against Denver. Gasol is that good—he’s, you know, a Gasol. Savvy, passes, rebounds, scores, moves well. He looks leaner and more polished than what I saw last year. And Thabeet didn’t seem as clueless as I thought he would be. He “looked” okay, but that doesn’t mean that he did much. But this is why I thought that Zbo’s two-year deal is perfect for them. He’s a good complement to Gasol, and two years from now Thabeet will have improved significantly.
Also worth noting that the King of The Funk didn’t mince words about his funky debut. He said something like “look at my resume—ain’t no way I’m coming off the bench. Hamstring is fine.” Stay funky, King.
by citizen zhiv on Nov 3, 2009 12:51 PM PST up reply actions
Rumors of teammates yelling at each other
Ohhh, I really haven’t been keeping track. Anyone know the gossip?
Clippers still seem a little spooked
like they expect things to somehow go wrong. I wouldn’t call it a gutty performance. It was more like Camby swooping away ghosts with those long arms of his.
Maybe this win will help the team loosen up a bit. Gordon needs to shoot more, too.
Missing the swagger
Yes I agree. Without Blake, the team seems to be playing scared instead of confidently. They really don’t seem to believe that they are going to win – more like they’re crossing their fingers going into the 2nd half that everything won’t fall apart, which then causes them to force up bad shots and hesitate when they are wide open. While they’ve done pretty well in the first half of every game so far, the second half has been really ugly to watch. Hopefully this win (as ugly as it was) gives them some confidence – they have tons of talent but all these players seem to have inferiority complexes and need something to boost their self-esteem.
I can’t wait to have Blake in the lineup. He’s humble, but at the same time he definitely has a quiet confidence and swagger about him that the team needs desperately.
DeAndre for MFP - Most Funniest Player
Without Blake?
The team has never played a game with Blake that counts.
I also appreciate that you are able to analyze their personalities and advise us that they have inferiority complexes. Pretty impressive. Is it nice to be able to read minds?
by Michael White on Nov 3, 2009 7:55 AM PST up reply actions
Um...
I said “seem”
I’m not trying to say I can read minds. I’m just giving my opinion based on what I see while watching them play. Isn’t that what everyone on here is doing?
DeAndre for MFP - Most Funniest Player
Yep, don't know why mwhite put that in
I’m sure we could pick apart anyones comments on the basis they don’t work for the Clipper org and they are just based on personal opinions.
I agree, in pre season, it seemed like the team had this new energy and Blakes introduction was surely a part of that. To lose him on the eve of the season seems to have dented the confidence of the team. It shouldn’t really be that brittle but it’s going to take time to build the chemistry with this roster.
It’ll be great when Blake comes back to have the energy he’ll bring to the lineup and to give us more options with lineups we can put out.
Bingo! Oh me oh my!
I put that in because it was rediculous
Evaluate players all you want on, you know, actual aspects of basketball games, like shooting and rebouding. But seriously, are you going to tell me from watching a game on TV, you can tell me that Eric Gordon is feeling blue? That’s just foolish. Commenting that these players have an inferiority complex? I can’t imagine how arrogant one must be to comment on the mental state of others by watching them through a television set.
Screw being able to play basketball, this team neems more swagger! And guts!
by Michael White on Nov 3, 2009 9:50 AM PST up reply actions
Whoa
mwhite you ok? I don’t really know that ClippChick’s comment was so off base for you to blast her like that.
It’s a completely valid observation that the team doesn’t have swagger. It’s not exactly science fiction to be able to look at a person’s body language and make some observations on their confidence and emotion.
Is it even debatable that this team lacks swagger right now? The way they tighten up and perform much worse in late game situations than they have been earlier in the game?
Yes they have basketball issues (like turnovers, like poor execution) but those basketball issues CLEARLY affect their confidence.
by madglove on Nov 3, 2009 10:35 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Hm, so your saying I went a little overboard?
Fair enough. It’s a philosphical difference I guess. I’m not a big fan of the “swagger” and “guts” arguments because I don’t really buy into that stuff. And before you ask, yes I have played sports before and no I have not played professionally. I think teams lose for tangible reasons. Lack of being good, lack of good coaching, missed free throws, lack of basketball IQ. I think the mental aspects (as in their mood not mental X’s and O’s which are quite important) of games are overblown.
It was the “inferiority complex” comment that got me all worked up, since I can’t fathom how us on the outside would be able to render an opinion on something like that.
by Michael White on Nov 3, 2009 10:44 AM PST up reply actions
Wrong wrong wrong wrong
Swagger and guts play a HUGE role psychology. I’ll use boxing as an example, when a undefeated boxer suffers his first lost his veil of invincibility is shattered (especially if its by knockout), his handlers have to rebuild his fragile psyche.
Basketball is no different, winning is a habit, sad to say losing is also a habit. When you’ve been there and done that and have been successful, you are a lot more willing to put in that extra effort and hustle because you expect success. On the flipside if you’ve been there and done that and have NOT been successful, you are suddenly more tired, less enthusiatic and expect to lose. In a game where the talent is comparable this is often the deciding factor.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 10:51 AM PST up reply actions
Wrong wrong wrong?
Are you insane? How can you prove psychology had anything to do with performance? If you want to say you have a different opinion then me, fine, but we are way on the margins now about what can be empirically proven so dismissing my opinion as wrong (4 times in fact) is absurd.
Swagger and guts play a HUGE role psychology. I’ll use boxing as an example, when a undefeated boxer suffers his first lost his veil of invincibility is shattered (especially if its by knockout), his handlers have to rebuild his fragile psyche.
How do you know this? Is there some sort of brain mapping technology you used? Or did you make it up?
by Michael White on Nov 3, 2009 10:56 AM PST up reply actions
I'm not a psychologist
but psychology (as taken from wikipedia) is an academic and applied discipline which involves the scientific study of human or animal mental functions and behaviors.
Is there a brain mapping technology, no, but the study of the human mind has been studied for years now.
You are wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong (5x) to think a player (or team) psyche does not affect their performance.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 11:10 AM PST up reply actions
Okay, so if I look up the definition of neurology and started rendering neurological opinions to you through viewing your behaviors through a television set, would you take my opinion seriously?
by Michael White on Nov 3, 2009 11:13 AM PST up reply actions
Yes and no
Body language is an acquired skill, one does not need to be professionally or classically trained to be knowledgeable about the human condition. Take a Poker player who has honed their skills over hours of practice, a good manager who can identify when their employees are motivated or unmotivated.
Now would I take your opinion seriously? Probably not as you have essentially stated you don’t believe a person’s psychological state has any bearing on their performance of their job.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 11:19 AM PST up reply actions
I've got to defend Mike here
the problem is not that psychology is not an important factor in anyone’s life, it is making pysch judgments based on incredibly limited information. Body Language – what would the body language have said about Mickey Rivers as he trudged his sorry sorrowful ass upto the plate before he exploded with a bunt single to 3rd, stole 2nd, moved to 3rd on a groundball, then scored on wild pitch, and once he hit home plate, all movement ceased as he then put his head down, trudged slowly back to the bench as though all life had just been sucked out of him.
We have this problem all the time our TBLA site. People make judgments that Broxton can’t close because he doesn’t have the eye of the tiger. It is all BS, unless you know each and every individual and how their body language has handled adversity or success in the past, the conjecture is pointless.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
People react differently to adverse situations
some people act defensively, some go into their shell, some act aggressively and so forth. I’m not familiar with this Mickey Rivers but one could reason that if he had better body language he would have hit a walk-off home run instead.
Also, who wants a Debbie Downer in the locker room? No one gravitates to Captain Buzzkill…
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 11:22 AM PST up reply actions
Yes they do
but I’m a bit astonished that so many of you actually think you are qualified to quantify someone’s body language. It has taken me years to know what my best friends moods and body language means, not the seconds you get on TV to pysch analyze the athletes.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I'm at the games in person
and seeing how guys react to foul calls, getting taken out, passing up shots (ie Butler and EJ shot with considerably less confidence yesterday and missed a lot of good lucks… coincidence or causation?).
You may not have a 100% read on someone’s body language, but you can say with a certain degree of certainty someone’s general confidence level.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 11:31 AM PST up reply actions
Speaking of psychology
I have an undergrad degree in psych and social behavior, a masters in human behaviors, and years of experience in counseling and improving the individual mind to better serve him/her in life. In short, psychology has a HUGE impact on sports.
Being at the games I do see that swag that’s missing. Maybe it’s the issue with confidence when shots don’t fall early they have a residual effect later in the game. Look at Baron. We all know the Baron of last year and the Baron of GSW. Can you not tell the “swag” or psychological difference between the two?
I could keep going but I guess you get my point.
Maybe his swag is gone
because now he has to take little blue pills.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
What does that say about your profession
and years of research that you basically said an observer (with no personal contact with the subject) can render the same opinion that you can after years of study.
by Michael White on Nov 3, 2009 11:34 AM PST up reply actions
hahahah
It’s an observation. I can also do math problems and that doesn’t make me a mathematician. We all make observations, it’s human nature. I’m not asking anyone to make a clinical diagnosis about players.
Like someone said earlier, this is where people comment on observations. If someone observed a lack of swag then they commented on a lack of swag. I don’t think he/she should be ostracized for it.
I’m glad you realized my comment was tounge in cheek and meant to be “funny.” After I re-read it, it came off like I was bagging on your life’s work, which wasn’t my intention.
by Michael White on Nov 3, 2009 11:50 AM PST up reply actions
fair enough!
Now let’s get beer, be merry, and win some f’n games.
Pointless debate
obviously mwhite doesn’t believe in any of this psychobabble so why continue this debate.
Your dig at psychology as a science is unjustified though, case in point just because a blind man calls your blue shirt blue but sheer luck does not change the fact that your shirt is still blue.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 11:38 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Your off point
Mike and I both agree that the mental state is hugely important in any activity, We just disagree that with such limited information anybody here can make a claim to know the mental state of a player and how it impacts their performance. Sure anyone can see if a player is down after missing a few shots but being deflated for a few seconds and how that is going to impact the rest of the game seems farfetched to me but evidently it is according to Yaggiefresh.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Actually no
Mike only values the X and O’s mental aspect of the game (see above), he doesn’t believe in the whole swagger (read confidence) and guts thing.
I never claimed that I can read the players mental state with 100% accuracy (nor can anyone make such a claim), I’m just saying that their swagger (again confidence) can make a big difference in their level of play.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 11:50 AM PST up reply actions
Baseball and basketball
I think psychology might be more transparent in basketball than baseball because of the flow of the game. In basketball you’re always moving and there are small decisions that go along with that movement, some of which are reflected in your demeanor. Baseball requires focus and concentration at specific moments, and in some ways it’s probably better to show less emotion, although that’s just one way to go. But with the back and forth and up and down in basketball, going from offense to defense and back again, in close quarters with the opponent on both ends, it’s much harder to take personality out of the game. The positioning and movements in baseball are highly scripted: stand at this position, pitch, take an at bat, playing on a very large field with the fans far from the action. Personality is still a big factor, but it’s harder for the fan to guage it. You don’t have the same limited sample in basketball. You can see a lot. “Basketball IQ” is also related to personality.
Definitely a philosophical difference
No team is going to win without the fundamentals – talent, coaching, basketball IQ, I agree with you there.
But I do believe that a huge part of the game is mental.
Let’s agree to disagree.
p.s. I concede that my statement about the players having an inferiority complex was overstated and based solely on my lost voice after yelling at my television over and over in the 4th quarter of all 5 of the first games – “shoot it! you’re wide open!!!” “what are you doing? why are you taking that shot??” “what the heck happened right now!!” etc. etc. etc.
p.p.s. Even if not fact-based, I don’t regret writing it and do believe a large part of the reason the Clippers keep losing is mental. The other part is that they’re not that good and they need better coaching.
DeAndre for MFP - Most Funniest Player
The game is definitely mental
Some players can miss their first dozen shots and they still believe the next one will go in. Some players miss their first few shots and will hesitate to shoot the rest of the game. As a result some players shooting forms break down and it only compounds the problem.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 11:41 AM PST up reply actions
Definitely yes on psychology
Wow, I wouldn’t have guessed this would have led to such debate. The Clips have a lingering trauma from last year. That’s mental. I mean, even OTHER TEAMS can feel it— They believe that their shots are going to go in, just because, hey, its the Clippers. These are phantoms that our guys need to dispell. I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes some time.
New Team Mantra: “May The Best Team Win.” The Clips, after all, are really better than the TWolves, and a lot of others. They just need to pull up their socks.
I mean, even OTHER TEAMS can feel it— They believe that their shots are going to go in, just because, hey, its the Clippers.
Ya, you just made that up. Or do you have some sort of link to a quote which confirms this?
by Michael White on Nov 3, 2009 3:11 PM PST up reply actions
Just calling them like I see them
I do not believe that bloggers should have to preface everything they say with “it seems” or “I believe.” Read along with most any discussion and it’s clear that many bloggers don’t.
I’m not pulling my opinions out of thin air. Nor are the others here. We can all watch a game and make rough judgements on what we see. I see opposing players playing with an undue swagger (esp in the 4th), and I believe this has something to do with the Clips and their lack of confidence.
Perhaps you’ll appreciate: I am not an expert here, and if I’m wrong I’m wrong.
I just think this conversation is getting more and more ridiculous. I thought the idea that as observers we are able to determine the mental state of Clippers simply by watching them play was dubious at best. That being said, if you wanted to make an argument that since we watch the Clippers every game you start to pick up their body language and notice subtleties, that would make some bit of sense. I still wouldn’t agree that people would be able to do that, but at least an argument can be made there.
You have now cranked that up a notch and are saying opponents who you probably watch 3 or 4 times a year, are feeling invincible because they are playing the Clippers.
You think, that they think, that they will play well, because they think, the Clippers suck.
I’m under the opinion that keeping the discussion within the confines of reality is helpful. I just don’t see how making up statements like you did, which are pulled completely out of thin air, advance the dialogue on this board.
Would it be helpful if I said that, “it looked like Eric Gordon didn’t eat a good breakfast this morning when watching him play. Everybody knows that it eating a good hearty breakfast is the best way to start your day, and I could tell by watching him play that he didn’t enjoy a full breakfast. What do you mean; there is no way I can know that? I just call it like I see it.”
A post like that would serve no practical purpose.
.
by Michael White on Nov 3, 2009 4:08 PM PST up reply actions
Fellow Clipper fan
You don’t seem to think that psychological observations are of value, and if so, I can respect that.
For others who think otherwise: it makes sense that such observations can be made of either one’s own players or the other team’s. In any old pick up game, when one side gets nervous or down, the other side can sometimes perceive this, and sometimes feed off of it.
Many people here have commented on DJ or Butler or AT looking lost, confused, etc. That’s a psychological comment. That doesn’t mean it’s profound, but I’d say it’s not worthless either. We’re just observing body language, performance, and the like.
These sorts of observations are interesting and/or telling to many people. If I were a coach, it’s something I’d pick up on. I AM a teacher, and I do notice and make rough inferences based on expressions and the like. It’s not an exact science, but it does often prove accurate. You may still be skeptical, and that’s alright. On this blog, though, I think It’s safe to say that people are going to keep talking along these lines from time to time.
To add fuel to the fire
While there may not be concrete “evidence” that teams always believe they can beat the Clippers, there’s clear data that they almost always DO – excluding the 05-06 season, the Clippers have had a losing season every other year during the last 10 years and other teams have beaten the Clippers 65% of the time during that period. There’s data and reality in cold, hard numbers. I think it’s safe to say that teams know these stats and just as we get excited when the Clips are about to play the T’Wolves, what do you think other fans and players are thinking when they are getting ready to play the Clips? I don’t think that the FACT that the Clippers have fallen apart at the end of many games is a secret only known to the Clippers and members of ClipsNation…
DeAndre for MFP - Most Funniest Player
Again, correlation does not equal causation.
Maybe, just maybe, the Clippers have racked up losses the past few years because they were worse than the teams they were playing.
Or perhaps it was the lack of swagger. What do I know?
I like that you put evidence in quotation marks, as though evidence is some sort of debatable concept.
by Michael White on Nov 4, 2009 7:48 AM PST up reply actions
"evidence"
I put it in quotes because we clearly have different ideas of what counts as evidence, so yes in that sense it is debatable.
The thing about philosophical differences is that we could go on debating this forever and no one’s going to change their mind. So I’m going to stop now, and go back to talking about the clippers and how i hope they can win some games in the next few weeks. Whether they do that through better coaching, confidence, or miracle, a few wins would be nice.
DeAndre for MFP - Most Funniest Player
I think body language observations are a valid talking point...
This is a blog, a place where we get to express our opinions and it should be understood that no poster is a professional unless they explicitly state so.
I stated before and I’ll state it again, when I look at their eyes in the 4th quarter (you can rewatch the tape if you have TIVO) as the camera pans through the players you can see the fear.
If you play any sport, you recognize this look, the look of someone who is scared and going to be hesitant. Seeing this fuels you as an opponent and gives you confidence, “they are scared, time to attack!”
I'll try a different approach
If you play any sport, you recognize this look, the look of someone who is scared and going to be hesitant.
You mention that you have seen this in others. Have others ever seen it in you? Have you played basketball scared and hesitant?
It’s easy for people to say that they’ve noticed others scared, but have you ever been scared?
by Michael White on Nov 4, 2009 12:06 PM PST up reply actions
Heck yeah...
Like in the CIF Championships, we had the lead, but were completely scared to lose it that we blew the game and lost.
You personally were scared to lose?
You mention “we” but I want to know if you were personally scared of losing.
by Michael White on Nov 4, 2009 12:22 PM PST up reply actions
There's no I in team
When I say “we”, that includes “me”
Does everything have to be so explicit with you?
Agree completely with ClippChick
Solid observation. You’re completely right, mg—whoa there, easy now mwhite.
It’s perfectly valid to evaluate team psychology, to try to understand what is going on in the heads of the players, and whatever it may be, it’s reflected in their play. The beauty of basketball, in the NBA or on the playground or in organized ball, is that it is so tranparent about personality. People who are jerks play basketball the way that jerks do.
ClippChick’s note that Griffin will make a valuable addition to the team when he’s able to play is exactly right, and it’s based on Griffin’s talents but also his personality.
by citizen zhiv on Nov 3, 2009 10:42 AM PST up reply actions
Ya
count me in the, “I’d like Griffin to actually play in an NBA game first” before I start commenting on his wonderful personality.
by Michael White on Nov 3, 2009 10:49 AM PST up reply actions
Preseason
doesn’t count in the official standings but it surely showed us the character and “wonderful” personality of this young player. Our only concerns with Griffin should be his durability and long-range jump shot. We know he’s going to hustle, dive for loose balls and be very active and judging by his teammates reactions during preseason games that will only invigorate them to do the same.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 10:55 AM PST up reply actions
No reason to be harsh
You can already tell that he’s made an impact on DJordan, for instance. Just because MDSr has been clueless about getting DJordan started, unable to handle Kaman’s success with figuring out how to get Jordan minutes, doesn’t mean that the improvement that Jordan showed the preseason and since last year is negated, does it? And as far as us fans are concerned, we were in dire straits before the Clips stumbled into that lottery pick. It allowed the Zbo deal to go through, which gave the Clippers a much better bench. And Griffin has been impressive at every juncture since the Clips won the lottery. The injury is a bummer, but the positive effect on the team is already substantial, without him having played a minute, and his personality is a big part of it. Just compare him to Michael Beazley last year.
I understand your approach, however, that you want to let him get on the court. First things first.
by citizen zhiv on Nov 3, 2009 11:05 AM PST up reply actions
Correlation does not equal causation
I would caution against using this logic chain:
Jordan was good in the preseason
Griffin played in the preseason
Jordan has not looked good in the season
Griffin has not played during the season
Therefore, Griffin helped Jordan.
I think the more likely scenario is that other teams started playing better once the season started and Jordan isn’t good enough yet. After watching the Clippers in the preseason and watching them so far in the season I am just about ready to toss the preseason out completely.
It allowed the Zbo deal to go through, which gave the Clippers a much better bench.
Great. That being said, the Clippers are 1-4 and traded away their best scorer to improve their bench. Objectively, unloading Randolph hasn’t particularly hurt because of the phenomenal play of Kaman, but him playing 40+ minutes a night is not a sustainable strategy.
by Michael White on Nov 3, 2009 11:11 AM PST up reply actions
Correlation does not equal causation
I would caution against using this logic chain:
Jordan was good in the preseason
Griffin played in the preseason
Jordan has not looked good in the season
Griffin has not played during the season
Therefore, Griffin helped Jordan.
I think the more likely scenario is that other teams started playing better once the season started and Jordan isn’t good enough yet. After watching the Clippers in the preseason and watching them so far in the season I am just about ready to toss the preseason out completely.
It allowed the Zbo deal to go through, which gave the Clippers a much better bench.
Great. That being said, the Clippers are 1-4 and traded away their best scorer to improve their bench. Objectively, unloading Randolph hasn’t particularly hurt because of the phenomenal play of Kaman, but him playing 40+ minutes a night is not a sustainable strategy.
by Michael White on Nov 3, 2009 11:11 AM PST up reply actions
Not sure why that posted twice.
I didn’t repeat it for emphasis. Was a mistake.
by Michael White on Nov 3, 2009 11:13 AM PST up reply actions
I think DJ struggles
are more likely that teams have scouted him and know a few things.
1) Still has limited post moves
2) Poor foul shooter
3) Not a strong team defensive player
DJ is essentially a getting put backs dunks and alley-oops right now, teams are fouling him instead of letting him get the chippies (smart move considering how horrid he is from the charity stripe) and his rotations on defense still need work (plus he got a DNP against the Suns since they employ a unconventional lineup).
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 11:15 AM PST up reply actions
I think it is strictly
because he gets so few minutes he will never get into the flow of the game. 21 minutes in the first four games. How can any judgments be made based on such a small sample size.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Limited minutes do suck
but how many times in the preseason did we see him knock down a mid-range jump, how effective was he from the free throw line? His defensive rotations were a bit slow too, he is a terrific shot blocker though.
Not hating on the kid, I think the world of him but he’s still a pretty raw and unrefined player. He has plenty of time to get better and playing against Kaman and Camby at practice will benefit him greatly as his career progresses.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 11:26 AM PST up reply actions
He has a simple job
Catch the ball near the basket. Put it in the basket. Do not commit 8 turnovers per 36 minutes in the process.
DJ owns his own destiny. He will get minutes when he looks stuck in out there.
looks stuck in out there
I’m an older guy, could you explain to me this basketball term.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Its more of a general term
It describes a condition of being determined to be a factor in the game immediately without needing to be a star. Making the tough plays in the flow of the game.
For basketball, I would cliche myself and say that Shane Battier is in a perpetual state of stuck in.
For DJ that would look like entering the game, putting a body on his man right away, getting the boards, protecting the ball and making the easy plays. It would not look like being out of sorts and putting the rest of the team out of sorts while occasionally making an athletic play while only shooting 20% and turning the rock over.
Good analysis
It’s a tough task to go from getting big minutes and even starting a bunch of games in the preseason, to learning how to be an effective backup in real competition. Dunleavy’s approach, to err on the side of playing veterans and for young players to go very slowly, one building block at a time, isn’t ideal however. Jordan can play better and get “stuck in,” but he needs more minutes in the right situations.
As Long As We Have the Psych Professionals Blogging
1. Kaman exhibited serious lack of focus his first few years in league
2. First year he started to perform, stories broke in LA Times that he had been mis-diagnosed as having ADD and the medication made him lack focus. Whatever his condition, the doctors had straightened out his meds.
3. Over time, he was still the same, lacking focus.
4. This year, Kaman is like a different man. Must be psychological condition. Must be on better meds.
I agree with you
Blake’s energy and demeanor on the court definitely seems to spread to the other players. He also appeared to have good chemistry playing alongside Kaman. We just have to hold it down the best we can until he gets back, though it’s looking pretty dicey so far outside of a few good quarters.
Was thinking about that too
Will he be less effective in inspiring others since he’s not a playmaker? Will be interesting for sure.
by Jax on Nov 3, 2009 9:41 AM PST up reply actions
Deflating win...
Clippers scored 14 points in the 3rd quarter, and still won this game…. WTF???
'Cause how you play, is how you'll be remembered. PLAY LOUD!
Something tells me we shouldn't criticize them when they win.
I have a bad feeling these nights are going to be few and far between.
I've got nothing.
Shooting woes..
Butler had a horrible shooting night, Gordon missed some WIDE open looks that we are accustomed to him making, and BDavis couldn’t throw a pebble into the ocean right now, and yet they still managed to win behind Kaman 3.0 (yes…this is what 3.0 would look like). It could be worse….
We all know Gordon will make his shots more often than not, so there is some comfort in that. But the question remains, when are we going to see BDiddy take over a game the way Steve Nash did in the 4th quarter a few nights ago…or is he even capable of doing that anymore? I almost expected CMDsr to put Sebas in their for the end of the 4th like last game, but I think having BD in their was the right decision. I will give Baron this though, he does look a lot more active this year, and he is definitely having more fun. 8 assists isn’t that bad either, but the 5 TO’s need to be eliminated.
BDavis is the leader of this team, and he needs to clean things up a little here, and soon. Otherwise, it may be too late by the time Blake gets back in December.
Do or do not. There is no try.
"But the simple fact is, I'm more worried about this season than ever."
Seriously? A win is a win no matter how you slice it. I felt like we let this game get away from us, but the team showed resilliance by finally finishing out a game, even if it was against the lowly Wolves. I think the team needed to get that first win behind them. I wouldnt be suprised if they won the next 3 or 4 in a row.
by C's Up on Nov 3, 2009 12:14 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Put it on the board...
If the Phoenix game was a big game that could have gone either way, this was the big game that had to go our way.
Down the stretch, EJ finally did something good in the 2nd half by taking it the basket and making a left handed layup, Camby made crucial energy plays and Sool knocked down some important free throws that we’ve always seemed to miss in the past.
Kaman’s all-star caliber play thus far has kept the team afloat, but other than that this looks like a slightly better version of last years team with the added depth helping a bit.
We can be a pretty good team with the inside game of Kaman/Camby only if our shooters are hitting from outside. A concern on the team is that there aren’t enough shooters(EJ/Sool), and that neither point guard is effective from the outside.
The only real reason for optimism this year was because of Blake Griffin. We knew it would be tough without him, but the Suns game led us to believe we could be playoff bound w/out him. Since we’ve learned that’s simply not true. Never as good as it seems, never as bad as it seems I guess.
Let's just bask in Kaman's glory
Christopher is eating the competition like Brian Skinner if he missed breakfast. Defense is a problem, turnovers are a problem, the fourth quarter is a problem, but this team will be okay.
Yay yay.
Ugly game
That T-Wolves roster sans Kevin Love is one of the worst I’ve ever seen. Corey Brewer and R-Hollins were getting crunch time minutes!!! One would like to see the Clips blow them out. Oh well, still feels great to get a W.
Hopefully the poor showing tonight is largely attributable to fatigue. 5 games in 7 nights is a brutal way to start the season. GSW after three full days of rest should be a good test for this team.
a little different
can’t tell you how many close games like this we have lost since I’ve been a clipper fan..This felt like a different win than the countless other close games we’ve lost…This season has been a rollercoaster ride so far, and all the drama is at least INTERESTING for a change. I’ll take this win, and i’ll be happy when we’re hovering around .500 when Big Blake gets back…cheer up people..geez…we got the monkey off our back now..we can all just loosen up and have some fun now…Clips are gonna be okay..
snackbar
In person, great to be in row 5 center
Great to win, but yes, we should not have struggled.
Consider that Al Thornton was double-teamed often when he got the ball. Their souting report must have indicated that he won’t (or can’t) pass out of the d-team = unfortunately for us.
There were moments of great ball movement that were just not seen last year and other times without much movement. We anticipate continuing improvement as the teams gels more and more. A “well-oiled” machine doesn’t occur in a flash. This group is a significantly different team than last year:
(a) new personnel, and
(B) vastly improved performances from returning players, E.G. Kaman and BDavis.
Much higher expectations, yes! Patience, yes! Success builds success, even as we struggle with a “weaker” opponent.
What about Rambis? Did he get more out of his team than one would expect?
Rasual inspires no confidence at all.
Our small forward position is soooooooooooooo weak. Ugh.
Stuck in limbo.
Still have faith that one of the two, if not both, will pick it up
It’s been an intense week playing so many games. They now get 3 days rest. We know Al can do better and Butler is an outside shooter. Expect more of his shots to fall and expect Al to get into the rhythm of things.
hopefully sooner rather than later.
by dulciusEXasperis on Nov 3, 2009 7:13 AM PST up reply actions
Sool was good last year
In a system with the best pg in the game and that emphasized the players’ strengths. Here we have a pg who does not look comfortable or inspire a lot of confidence and I don’t get the feeling that the players are comfortable in the offensive sets. Their defensive rotations inspired confidence in the wolves, a team that should have been blown out of the building. Rookie starting pg? An sg who can’t shoot? Gomes? I will take the win, and I hope they were just tired.
by Jax on Nov 3, 2009 8:19 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
A Horror Game
This is the Clipper’s version of the Halloween. As SP said, he is terrified with this win and the ClipNation should be too. They played like Zombies in the 2nd half- lifeless!
They walked the court when they should have ran; passed the ball when they should have shot the ball and gave away goodies to the wolves -more than 20 errors!
Guys this is basketball not Golf. The winner is the one who’s strokes are more not less than the other team.
Fortunatelely for the Clippers, the Wolves are just learning the “triangle offense” and their star center had a horrible night (but thanks to Clipper’s defense still shot 24 points!)
Clippers-tired? Perhaps. Now they will have 4 days rest.
What will be their next excuse? Pretty soon excuses will be gone!
Go Cilppers…clap,clap,clap
During their struggles
I wish they would drive more to the hole.
A win is a win
staples center was dead
by Qlippers on Nov 3, 2009 7:16 AM PST via mobile reply actions
wow! New layout threw me for a loop!
Roger Sterling: To my knees, Don. They're bringing to my knees!"
Start Griffin at the 3!
Only half serious… I think Butler will find his shot eventually and AT will adjust to his role and get better at it. But while he’s injured, the Clips should have Blake take a ZILLION outside practice shots. No? With Kaman hot and EJ in there, having BG as a threat from anywhere would make a huge difference.
The team is getting acquainted with its talent and learning how to win. I’m not surprised that the first win was ugly. We’ll see some more of that, I bet, before it gets better.
It was awful
If Minn gets either call foul call near the end they win or its overtime. Baron Davis needs to reinvent himself like Jason Kidd now thats his hop is gone. He needs to develop some kind of shot where he’s a threat.
Telfair better than Jason Hart but that ’s about it,
FIRE MDSR
A win is a win
I don’t really care how ugly it looked. Do you think Phoenix fans complained after beating the lowly Clippers by 1? Clips needed a win and got it.
True
Definitely. No matter how it came, a win is a win.
What a horrible win
I think that was the worst game they have played all year, yet they somehow won.
It’s clear that the trade deadline/off season priority is the SF position. Blake will move to the 4 when camby is not resigned, this is our only whole in the starting lineup. Well done Kaman.
by The Blake Griffin Era on Nov 3, 2009 8:27 AM PST via mobile reply actions
I think Camby may resign here.
And why not? I havent noticed him losing a step at the young age of 35.
It could happen but I doubt it
We already have Kaman, Blake and DJ on long-term deals. Camby is also trying to win a ring before he retires, I don’t see Camby coming back.
It doesn’t seem to be an issue right now because Blake is out, but once we he returns it will be hard for MDSR to get everyone minutes.
by The Blake Griffin Era on Nov 3, 2009 1:13 PM PST up reply actions
If that's what a Clipper win looks like...
First the good -
Kaman 3.0 – he’s the one who is “Amazin’”
Camby – when hs stops chucking the outside shot, he’s fantastic, an All Star steady presence
Now the bad -
EJ is not playing as well as last year, he’s missing shots and seems a bit lost.
Rasual can go long periods where he is ineffective
Smith is short and using his bulk gets him a lot of fouls
Thornton – has yet to disprove the allegation from last year about “low basketball intelligence.” Even coming off the bench he messes up.
Telfair – still shooting bricks
BD – love his hustle and energy this year, but the guy has lost his outside shot. Sam Cassell he ain’t.
DJ – do we have to wait the 6 years we did for Kaman, for DJ to learn the game and get some confidence? Doesn’t look like he’s going to break out this season.
MDsR – Blake’s injury gave him the out he’s always looking for. If the Clippers continue to tank in the next 15 games before Griffin’s return, then he can blame all his mistakes on the one injury, get a pass, and on to his final season and paycheck.
Agree on BD.
I just wish he started taking some more mid-range shots actually…or at least start with the ball from say, two steps inside the line where he can jab-step, take the guy off the dribble or fake the drive and go with a step-back jumper. He can even simply turn his body and get his man into the post looking for cutters.
Kaman is doing well, but Minny started doubling him and he started second guessing his moves. I hope the assistants are already working on what his options are in those situations.
That's all you have to say about the game - a dig at me?
You’re better than that – or are you?
by Jax on Nov 3, 2009 8:58 AM PST up reply actions
That was a dig at you?
Jax, not every comment is about you. You haven’t really said anything about Kaman since the season started, have you?
Actually Jax
wanted to dump Kaman for any expiring contracts in another thread. Kaman made him eat crow, for this game at least.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 10:36 AM PST up reply actions
No he didn't - Kaman is playing great right now
I never said that he isn’t playing well right now.
You still wanted to dump him for expiring contracts
that is all
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 12:12 PM PST up reply actions
Here's my concern about what happens to Kaman when given heavy minutes expressed in historical terms
08-09: http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3709/gamelog?year=2008
07-08 – http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3709/gamelog;_ylt=Amf5f5us93eOwpHfLdaaXCjOPKB4?year=2007
by Jax on Nov 3, 2009 4:04 PM PST up reply actions
Well actually researching back comments
You did say that. Alot.
I guess I can see why you would think that was about you.
Well, good thing they didn’t take your advice then.
As I said, feel free to comment on the game
We await your report.
by Jax on Nov 3, 2009 9:42 AM PST up reply actions
Bwahahaha
I just read the game thread. There WAS a huge convo about trading Kaman. Didn’t even know that when I made my comment.
Nene Hilarious.
You await my report? Obsess much?
Cross my heart
Game viewing and internet commenting are generally incompatible for me. Technically they aren’t but I got out of the blackberry habit and havent jumped back in yet.
I was referencing the comments from the first few games still expressing frustration with Kaman despite his great start. So seriously not in reference to Jax (until he chose to make it about him) and not in reference to the other thread.
M-V-P?
So…at the game last night, when Kaman was at the free throw line, people started chanting M-V-P…it was kind of surreal. And it wasn’t Clipper Darrel starting the chants either. Just last year the guy was getting booed out of his own building….and now 5 games into the season we get MVP chants….just really weird.
Do or do not. There is no try.
What have you done for me lately?
That’s what it’s about…
Haha
Yea I was laughing about that too. Kaman’s been terrific so far but its ridiculous to chant MVP 5 games into the season. It’s something I would expect from Faker Fans, not us.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 10:38 AM PST up reply actions
It was funny
Done in the right spirit—a reward for great play. I say keep it up, and let’s see Kaman keep rolling along, getting even better and more dominant.
by citizen zhiv on Nov 3, 2009 10:51 AM PST up reply actions
Maybe if we are playing the Lakers
we can do it to mock the Laker fans who chant MVP for Kobe on the 1st game of the season. Really those chants only make sense during the end of the season to help sway the voters into picking their man.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 10:57 AM PST up reply actions
Hey im Diggin' the MVP chants for KAMAN
After all, its he who was bad mouthing the team last year saying they were cursed and all sorts. Maybe he will aknowledge he is part of that curse and use it as motivation going forward to continue his stellar play.
The whole game was surreal
The stands were empty, the fans were all depressed (b/c we lost a 13 pt lead) and we were missing wide open shots.
Kaman played really well and was getting the ball out once the double or triple team came quickly. However, his wide open teammates could not hit the shot.
But, I can’t stand watching the defensive rebounding of this team. It looked like Camby and Kaman were boxing out their men and had to deal with Sool’s and Gordon’s man coming clean for a reb.
A win is a win, every team will just be happy to get a win.
We have a better team
The Clippers were clearly the better team,it’s not that the timberwolves would have beaten up,but we would have given them the win. In every game so far this season, we have pretty much lost the game, base on turnovers, and poor shooting. Our defense has been good enough to hold most teams off, and keep us in the game with an opportunity to win, but as in last nights victory, we missed 23 or 30 shots in the forth quarter, along with 20 turnovers, we also had 20 turnovers against the maverick, and scored 2 points in the final quarter, while we held Dallas to only 12 points, and we lost that game, Dallas didnt beat us. We had 20 turnovers against the Lakers. we missed 11 free throws against phoenix and lost by 2, we are our own worst enemy at this time, the team is solid, the mistakes are killing us. the timberwolves scored 30 points on our turn overs last night, so if and when we begin to protect the ball, and make easy open shots and free throws we should be able to easily beat teams like Phoenix, New Orleans,and Houston, we have to become more focused especially in the 2nd half.
Been watching Houston
Who would have thought?
They are deflating with their shooting.
Aaron Brooks and Kyle Lowry have been great at running the team to get everyone involved.
Budinger had a nice night too
Can they sustain? The revolution is being televised, but you have to have League Pass.
I thought they'd be good
everyone ruled them out preseason but I was saying the Rockets have a chance. Adelman is a very good coach and Dork Elvis (Daryl Morey) is a personnel genius. I am surprised Ariza has played so well though, I thought he’d struggle badly as the “star” player.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 10:39 AM PST up reply actions
And the PnR by Houston
with Brooks is way more effective than BD. The threat of Brooks making a shot keeps the defenders honest. If BD can hit a shot a la Cassell, our PnR would be an effective tool
Respect to any team that can beat Utah in SLC
To the point where the Jazz get booed off their court.
The scientific approach
We should appreciate it. They have a bunch of guys who play hard, and they’re smart and they don’t make a lot of mistakes.
The thing I’m watching is Ariza’s scoring. He had 31 the other night. It should be interesting to see where their points come from. And their genius, Darryl Morey, or Dork Elvis as Simmons calls him, told Simmons that he thought Budinger was the real deal—that is, a talented athletic player who looked great in their advanced analysis, able to make a solid contribution. If Battier is the king of those guys, and Ariza is another one, experienced and with an upside as a shooter and scorer when he gets more usage, and Budinger is another one in training, they should be good and better than expected.
It’s the opposite of where the Clippers are. They’ll win the games they should, and use mistakes by other teams to create opportunities. There are a lot of teams that they won’t beat, but they’ll hang in there. It should be interesting to watch Phoenix and Houston go head to head.
I think Memphis is worth watching too. They’re very different—they have a lot of talent, much more than most people think, and it’s a question of whether they can play well together.
by citizen zhiv on Nov 3, 2009 10:58 AM PST up reply actions
Memphis is a ticking time bomb
already AI is complaining about his role and minutes. Yes, after missing all of preseason due to injury, having only Memphis pursue him (and they pursued him primarily for monetary reasons) and knowing full well that Mayo and Conley would start he’s already complaining after his first game back. Adding that their 2 young players Gay and Mayo got into a shouting match last night, that Gay did not get his contract extension (he’s a guy we can land next year for 5years/60 mill) and all of a sudden ZBo is looking pretty mature.
There’s a chance they can figure it out as they do have a talented roster on paper BUT they are pretty much the exact opposite of the Rockets who thrive based on chemistry and players understanding (and accepting) their roles.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 11:06 AM PST up reply actions
Memphis is a ticking time bomb
already AI is complaining about his role and minutes. Yes, after missing all of preseason due to injury, having only Memphis pursue him (and they pursued him primarily for monetary reasons) and knowing full well that Mayo and Conley would start he’s already complaining after his first game back. Adding that their 2 young players Gay and Mayo got into a shouting match last night, that Gay did not get his contract extension (he’s a guy we can land next year for 5years/60 mill) and all of a sudden ZBo is looking pretty mature.
There’s a chance they can figure it out as they do have a talented roster on paper BUT they are pretty much the exact opposite of the Rockets who thrive based on chemistry and players understanding (and accepting) their roles.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 11:06 AM PST up reply actions
Who else saw Blake Griffin shooting in the pregame shootaround?
and he also made a Half court shot. Looks to me this guy could be playing if it was Crunch time.
Everything starts out New, Gets Old and Dies or is Destroyed.
During the lottery order selection party
that’s our time to shine, 3 #1 picks in 21 years. We’re #1!
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 11:01 AM PST up reply actions
I would imagine
that shooting is fine but jumping four feet into the air and landing with a 260 pound frame onto a stress fractured kneecap would cause serious injury. As much as I want to see him play, we hope to have him playing a lot games the next dozen years and not be dragging one leg around like CWebb.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 10:59 AM PST up reply actions
BG made the half court shot on his first and only try.
Also at the Halftime warm up he was on the court with the team and he was in his Street Duds. Never saw a player do that yet, this guy really wants to be in the action.
Everything starts out New, Gets Old and Dies or is Destroyed.
It is easy to say this is not a good team after watching them play last night so I’ll say it. I’d disagree that a win a is a win. We were playing the worse team in the league, who was playing a back to back on the road, and we’d had a day of rest. Without those backtaps by Camby or any number of turning point plays they could easily lose this game. When someone says a win is a win against a team like that given the circumstances, then that seems to be making a case that we will be lucky to get very many wins this year, and to appreciate the ones we do get no matter who the competition is. I don’t think I’ve felt more uninspired about the team after a win.
All of the good news on the Clipper front so far has been the incredibly inspired offensive performance by Kaman. Given his history I’m not hanging my hat on that continuing for the rest of the season, but at least for now he’s the only reason to enjoy a Clipper game.
I’m still intrigued by what Blake will bring to the team but since he’s taking Camby minutes how much improvement can he bring? All summer the talk was about the need for a wing and after watching Butler/Thornton that is still the case. We may find out that Butler was simply the product of playing with Paul because as unimpressive as Thonton has been, Butler can match him.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
The Griffin improvement
Technically, for the short term he would be taking Smith’s minutes. This is potentially a significant upgrade.
While the Clippers didn’t have a back to back, they did have the equally dreaded 5 in 7. I feel like the Celtics were given a pass for losing to last year’s Clippers under the same circumstances.
5 in 7 when
most of the games have been at Staples. Not like this team is doing traveling other then to Utah once in that span. I guess if we want to look for excuses that will work but it doesn’t for me.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Its true
Noone will accuse you of looking for positives in this thread.
Let me rephrase the statement another way. If you wanted to make the most difficult possible schedule for the Clippers to start the season while still following CBA rules for travel, how would it look significantly different than the first 5 the Clippers have faced?
Champs, playoff running team, day off, travel playoff team, travel playoff team, day off, game 5.
Just following
SP’s thread. I was more scared about the teams future after the game then before it, even with the shiny W. My fault really, I came into the year with unrealistic expectations for this team, I’ll now taper them down now that I’ve seen the team play in games that actually count.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I still have some hope for this team
we’ve been competitive for most games, we’re shooting the ball fairly well overall and a lot of our issues are self-inflicted. Again last night we turned the ball over 6 more times than the other team. There were a lot of rushed shots at the end of the shot clock as well. Can we work out the kinks? Maybe, we fortunately have a pretty soft schedule this month so maybe we can crawl back into it.
FA in 2010.
by ClipperChuck on Nov 3, 2009 11:44 AM PST up reply actions
I should just stop commenting
until they play this soft schedule and we see how they do with the proper rest. I’m just so deflated right now over the skill level that they have demonstrated as a team that I probably need to take a step back and see what happens over the next four weeks.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
Maybe they're deflated because
They’re the only team in the NBA to have played 5 games already. With 2 back-to-back games (home and away, at that) it’s only natural to be tired, right?
Good thing there’s 3 days off before another back-to-back.
Especially if you have to play your
front unit most of the game to beat a team of scrubs.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
We've played 5 games
and the Warriors have played 2. A break is needed. Very much so.
What to take away from last nights game
I am not sure all the doom and gloom is really necessary at this point. Going into the game I was on board with most people that the Clippers should blow out the “lowly” Twolves and set the tone for the next stretch of “winnable games” as so many have dubbed the upcoming schedule.
It did not go according to plan, with the Clippers fighting to hold on for a 3 point victory. But I definitely think the Clippers had some positives in this game. For the first time this season I saw good ball rotation around the perimeter, stemming from Kaman making a good pass out of the post when he was double teamed. This should happen all year long. Now unfortunately the recipient of a number of the shots created by this ball movement was Rasual Butler, who had an absolutely atrocious night shooting the ball. Still, I thought that was very promising. In addition tho this I thought the rapport between Kaman and Baron was solid, and at times they actually looked as though they were having a good time on the court.
The bad news is that turnovers were once again a serious problem for the Clips. Turnovers take you out of rhythm on offense, and keep your opponents in the game when they have no business being there. The good news is that it would seem to be the kind of problem that the Clippers can realistically improve on.
The Clippers are playing well in stretches, and to this point have been putting themselves in positions to win basketball games. There is plenty of work to do still, but I think the Clippers will be alright if they build on the things they have done well to this point, and work on taking care of the ball and playing better team D.
Next game - Friday
I think the rest will be good for this team. It’s been a whirlwind of negativity and losing since the season started (really right before the season started with Blake’s injury) and I’m sure they’ve hardly had a chance to catch their collective breaths. As I mentioned in my pre-game comment yesterday, I’m sure they were pressing and playing tight because they were desperate for a win. I can’t remember so many people (fans and media) calling game 5 of a season a “must win.” You know they were feeling the pressure.
They finally got their W and they can take a step back and actually start working on some of their problems in practice now. It’s tough to make big adjustments when you’re playing 5 games in 7 nights. Hopefully the team will come out on Friday more relaxed and confident.
The reality right now is that there are some big positives so far (Kaman, Camby, Baron’s effort and defense) and there are some big negatives (turnovers, poor execution, the SF spot, Baron’s shooting). I think most will agree though that the team doesn’t look like the playoff contender most expected them to be. That’s unfortunate. But, it’s been all of 5 games so there’s still time to right the ship. They just need to do it soon.
I expect a better performance on Friday overall from the team. The question is whether that will result in wins. Because this team needs to start putting some wins together.
You can see it in their eyes
They are playing scared in the 4th quarter. Like “omg we might lose this”…instead of …“ok let’s put this thing away”
A WIN IS A WIN IS A WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You guys didn’t listen last night all these negative waves translates to the Clipper Nation
and to the players. Stay positive what else do you guys have to lose. We have the best
shooter on our team on the bench in Novak. Dunleavy should put him in when we are
in these offensive funks. Remember we can finally say we are on a winning streak.
This is one of the next seven games!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Novak didn't dress last night
Mardy Collins did.
by Michael White on Nov 3, 2009 1:51 PM PST up reply actions
Didn’t the great Dunleavy refuse to use Novak last year for the first two months? Did he forget why he signed him? Or maybe the question is, why did we sign him? Maybe I missed it but I didn’t see any offensive plusses on the floor last night for the Timberwolves other then Jefferson and the Euro who luckily got into some foul trouble.
Patience is for those who die waiting for something to happen
I went to the game last night…obviously, something has to be done with these turnovers. For a supposingly good team, this is totally unacceptable, and it shows a lack of discipline and focus. Dunleavy may have to resort to a “back-to-basics” approach in practice, with the players are working on nothing but passing drills all though out. It may sound a little silly, but something has to be done.
I’ll take the win (and a much needed one at that). I don’t want to get in fully about ClippChick’s point about the team’s lack of “swagger”, confidence, etc., but I do agree in a way with what she says. I see more or less as a lack of trust among the players, even including Dunleavy. Of course, trust develops over time, and but the majority of these players have been together for a year already…I just think that Dunleavy’s constant micro-managing on the sidelines just adds to the lack of trust among the guys.
Good read guys keep up the good work!
debate over nothing!
by clippersnomatterwhat on Nov 3, 2009 4:18 PM PST reply actions
If this isn't exciting enough for you
there’s yet another fanpost regarding nicknames.
by Michael White on Nov 4, 2009 7:43 AM PST up reply actions
Awesome clip from the Onion
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/fatal_staples_center_collapse
I could not stop laughing
by Grand Tanyon Sturtze on Nov 4, 2009 7:32 AM PST reply actions
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