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Club Optimism Opens Tonight!!!

Yes, yes--we've heard the clamoring outside the doors for some time now. But the Club likes to keep tabs on its sister institution, Club Reality, and you know the way things are over there. They like to see things to know that they are true. They sat open-mouthed on the night that Sam Cassell made his Clipper debut and beat the Sonics. At the same moment, over at Club Optimism, KA threw open the doors saying "if y'all like soft drinks, I'm afraid I don't have any" as he ushered the Happy Few inside and started Clipperblog. Mein fuhrer was at the helm of this proud ship ready to steer us into the brave new world of Relevance. The Clippers were better than the Lakers. Elton Brand was a beast of MVP proportions after his first truly focused summer, Cuttino Mobley was a sneaky good veteran free agent signing, and the Clips suddenly were led by an extraterrestrial basketball force who was extremely hard to understand when he spoke, but there was some sort of wisdom there, a deep understanding of the game. We saw it in evidence on that opening night, and our bedraggled citizenry didn't even really know what it was. Some of us see the Clippers and we always believe, we hope, we give them our hearts and faith, and we think that things might just work out and we could get to the promised land. We believed in Elton Brand, in Mike Dunleavy Sr., in Chris Kaman and Shawn Livingston and so many others, whom some would call the dregs of the NBA: we believed in Nick Fazekas, in Rick Brunson, in Bobby Simmons and Big Z.

Consider Kevin Arnovitz and our fearless leader Clipper Steve, aka Monsieur Perrin, your hosts tonight, as Club Optimism opens its doors. Sure, it was never in doubt: we always knew that this was just where we would end up, that every step was carefully planned, that the Clippers were only biding their time, accepting their setbacks with grace. KA went to the game in Oakland last night, saw that it was good, and he's opening up the doors tonight. So I'm afraid I've got to get moving and head on in right now. SP enjoys the peace and serenity of his cruise, and he knows that he has given more than his best for years now, that the Nation is strong, and the Citizens are true.

Sam Cassell leading an amazing comeback against the Sonics is one thing. Having Chris Paul take control of a routine game and taking a lead from 1 to 15+ in no time is something different. The Clippers are a fine, talented basketball team with great players. They have an extraordinary leader.

Club Optimism is wide open, friends. If y'all like soft drinks, I'm afraid that, at least tonight, we don't have any.

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Zhiv - good to see you back

Optimism seems close to reality – Reminds me of Fellini’s line: “Idealism is the only true realism”

"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.

by Jax on Dec 26, 2011 6:28 PM PST reply actions  

It sounds as if Steve is retiring... :-)
SP enjoys the peace and serenity of his cruise, and he knows that he has given more than his best for years now, that the Nation is strong, and the Citizens are true.

by lovinglosangeles on Dec 26, 2011 7:00 PM PST reply actions  

Watching Grizzlies @ Spurs, now...

Could be a pretty tough game on Wednesday!

"look, you can find any coach you want, bring him in here and run the situation. But I don't think they are going to do as good a job as I do." -Mike Dunleavy Sr.

by CLiPPz WeRD 12 on Dec 26, 2011 7:18 PM PST reply actions  

Meanwhile Dallas is getting pounded

by lovinglosangeles on Dec 26, 2011 7:28 PM PST up reply actions  

Yes, The Clips Better Practice HARD!

I too watched the game and it looks like Pop has his veterans playing hard and smart as usual. Timmy, Manu and Parker all look very fresh and are already in mid-season form. Their rookie Leonard looks pretty good too. Throw in “no knees” “bulldozer” Blair and Bonner the Red Rocket and they look just as boring but solidly overlooked and underestimated as ever.

by moKi on Dec 27, 2011 12:04 AM PST up reply actions  

Totally agree.. Can't take them lightly.

"look, you can find any coach you want, bring him in here and run the situation. But I don't think they are going to do as good a job as I do." -Mike Dunleavy Sr.

by CLiPPz WeRD 12 on Dec 27, 2011 12:13 AM PST up reply actions  

The team can’t play like Christmas day that’s for sure against the Spurs. I really want Blake and DJ to clean the glass like last season and more. They will be all over Blake, so I hope our outside game is on.

by tenkaistar on Dec 27, 2011 1:05 AM PST up reply actions  

its going to be Ellis and Curry veteran form

Parked and Manu played very well they are going to be a major issue. If DJ can play hard again and force Parker out of the paint will make the game so much easier. We have to rotate stronger can’t let Duncan shoot much. Believe every time we get a rebound DJ should bolt up the floor for a lob we have to keep the tempo high paced.

by KillaClip on Dec 27, 2011 4:02 AM PST via mobile up reply actions  

yep

will be curious how Billups handles one of the premier SG in the NBA. At least athletically, you’d hope he’d be able to keep up, but Manu is a legitimate sized SG as opposed to Ellis. Probably go over all the matchups ad nauseam in the pregame, but the front court will be interesting too. You’d think they might cross match with DJ guarding Timmy, and Timmy guarding Blake, but you never know. One thing to take from the Memphis game which probably was the main reason they lost was 25 turnovers, half of which came from steals. Memphis shot better than the spurs, and out rebounded them, so hopefully if the Clips can keep the TO down once again, they’ll be in the game. Spurs also shot 33 3pointers, seems like clips have had problems with 3-pt defense in the past, so gotta close out on those shooters.

by osamu on Dec 27, 2011 4:58 AM PST up reply actions  

bring back Benoit

and our quiver will brim.

clip dan

by Daniel Dyk on Dec 26, 2011 7:27 PM PST reply actions  

Bring back Keith Closs...

and Vaught, from his spot! We do need backup bigs, after all. :P

Clippers // Chargers // Rays // Boise State
"The Lakers do win games. But things can change." - Blake Griffin

by 82-0 on Dec 26, 2011 8:31 PM PST up reply actions  

TV Ratings
Chris Paul’s Clippers debut in the nightcap against the Warriors earned a 2.2 rating, up 69 percent over last year’s Portland-Golden State telecast in the same slot.

by lovinglosangeles on Dec 26, 2011 7:28 PM PST reply actions  

No one watching NOH

in the 4th, Gordon playing the point with Bellinelli. Kaman up front with Landry. Will be interesting if they keep this line up to close the game. Definitely the most offense with this group.

by osamu on Dec 26, 2011 8:12 PM PST reply actions  

omg

Ariza misses 2 FT down by 1 w/ :35 sec left. GORDON! hits a midrange jumper for a 1 point lead with :04 sec left!!

by osamu on Dec 26, 2011 8:35 PM PST up reply actions  

GORDON with the game winner

Hornets fans might already have their fan favorite

by osamu on Dec 26, 2011 8:36 PM PST up reply actions  

EJ just kept on shooting....

…even though he was 0 for 6 from 3 point land. And didn’t he just nail that game winner! And Kaman looked like Kaman, making great moves to the basket then turning the ball over with his terrible passing. But the worst pass of the game came from Aminu.

by saxmanager on Dec 27, 2011 9:34 AM PST up reply actions  

Pardon my ignorance, but what does the soft drink reference mean?

by Ivan Barrera on Dec 26, 2011 8:26 PM PST reply actions  

Hell, I've been chilling in Club Optimism this whole time.

Clippers // Chargers // Rays // Boise State
"The Lakers do win games. But things can change." - Blake Griffin

by 82-0 on Dec 26, 2011 8:30 PM PST reply actions  

Wasn't very impressed by the Bulls yesterday TBH...

except for their comeback at the end. I’m not surprised they’re having a letdown game tonight.

Clippers // Chargers // Rays // Boise State
"The Lakers do win games. But things can change." - Blake Griffin

by 82-0 on Dec 26, 2011 8:53 PM PST up reply actions  

Watching the last quarter.

You appear correct about the let down. Its only been since about the 8 minute mark of the 4th quarter that the Bulls started to play hard especially on defense. Unfortunately for them it could be too little too late.

by Buddahfan on Dec 26, 2011 9:47 PM PST up reply actions  

weird

last minute in. no boozer, no Noah, no Rip on the court. Rose, Watson, Korver, Deng, Taj? was there an injury? or is that their offensive lineup?

by osamu on Dec 26, 2011 9:56 PM PST up reply actions  

I would say the latter

by gdl on Dec 26, 2011 9:58 PM PST up reply actions  

I always thought

Taj was the defensive 4, and I don’t know about Watson, I guess he hit some 3’s in the game, but I don’t know. From someone that hasn’t watched the bulls much, seems like Rip or Boozer would be the better option. Oh well. I guess they’re really down on Boozer.

by osamu on Dec 26, 2011 10:06 PM PST up reply actions  

I believe Tibs went with Asik and Gibson down the line

last season. I think he sees Asik and Gibson as more dependable defensive wise.

Your capslock is stuck, please buy a new keyboard

by BelgianClipper on Dec 26, 2011 11:21 PM PST up reply actions  

well I was never sold on Noah's defensive skills

he is essentially a 6-11 hustle player. He’s good , but I think that defense makes Tibs play you down the line. Perhaps Tibs is overdoing it a bit.

Your capslock is stuck, please buy a new keyboard

by BelgianClipper on Dec 27, 2011 4:35 AM PST up reply actions  

Kings looked good tonight.

The division seems to be competitive this year, other than a certain ancient team that wears purple and gold (unless they get their act together).

Clippers // Chargers // Rays // Boise State
"The Lakers do win games. But things can change." - Blake Griffin

by 82-0 on Dec 26, 2011 9:50 PM PST reply actions  

So are the Kings and Warriors better than everyone expected?

Or are the Bulls and Lakers much worse than everyone expected? The Lakers actually have an excuse since Bynum is out, but what is going on with the Bulls?

by shay on Dec 26, 2011 9:54 PM PST reply actions  

really surprised to see the Bulls struggling this much since all they really added was Rip, which would seem to be an improvement over Bogans

by gdl on Dec 26, 2011 10:00 PM PST up reply actions  

Bogans didn't play that much

Korver and Brewer played the most minutes, Bogans just started.

Your capslock is stuck, please buy a new keyboard

by BelgianClipper on Dec 26, 2011 11:23 PM PST up reply actions  

And quite a few people

doubted if Rip was really a good fit for the Bulls.

Your capslock is stuck, please buy a new keyboard

by BelgianClipper on Dec 26, 2011 11:23 PM PST up reply actions  

Maybe he's poisoning their team.

"look, you can find any coach you want, bring him in here and run the situation. But I don't think they are going to do as good a job as I do." -Mike Dunleavy Sr.

by CLiPPz WeRD 12 on Dec 27, 2011 12:16 AM PST up reply actions  

I expected the Kings to improve this year.

Evans is back in good form after a bout of plantar fasciitis, Thornton is a beast, Cousins has been working on his game and attitude, and Jimmer’s looking like a good addition. We’ll see after 10 games though.

Dunno what’s up with the Bulls. Their Christmas game against the Lakers was pretty ugly. They couldn’t seem to get a shot in the 3rd, even with solid openings. Maybe they just need a little time to gel.

I think that Dallas was seriously overhyped during the preseason though as the favorites to win this season. I like the team, but I think that a lot of other teams have stepped up their game, including the Heat. Odom is a good piece for them, though.

"Fact One: Races are won or lost in key moments. Fact Two: Success in the sport is, above all else, about enduring suffering." - Chris MacCormack

by Chris McD on Dec 27, 2011 9:45 AM PST up reply actions  

I did think dallas

was going to be way worse. They replaced 3 key rotation players, with what I thought were WAY worse character guys. It almost reminds me of what Orlando did, grabbing all the big names, and not realizing the players they had provided way more production on the court. Tyson was their defensive anchor, I understand not being able to afford that contract and not bringing him back, but they’re sorely going to miss him. I don’t have to go into replacing him essentially with Odom? I just don’t see the fit, and wouldn’t want any part of that soap opera. I would’ve brought JJ back over brining in Carter. Does Carter have anything left? Does he still give you 20 pt nights like JJ would? Maybe Stevenson and West is a wash, they both seem nearly clinical crazy, but at least stevenson was familiar with the guys and the system.

by osamu on Dec 27, 2011 11:00 AM PST up reply actions  

0-2 Lakers have to play again tomorrow in Utah

It is there only 3 straight game stretch of the year.

"Who wants a free Sharpie?"

by PV Mike on Dec 26, 2011 10:05 PM PST reply actions  

But I thought the league was conspiring against the Lakers?

"Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be." - John Wooden

by Erik O on Dec 26, 2011 11:04 PM PST via mobile up reply actions  

You forgot Club Optimism with Darius Miles and Corey Maggitte…

http://brightlightssports.com

by Chris Sarda on Dec 26, 2011 11:01 PM PST reply actions  

Proper spelling: eat my shorts

http://brightlightssports.com

by Chris Sarda on Dec 26, 2011 11:01 PM PST up reply actions  

And Big Z

Itd be nice to have Rebraca around to back up DJ. . .

by cassellmania on Dec 27, 2011 12:14 AM PST up reply actions  

+1

I miss Zeljko!

"look, you can find any coach you want, bring him in here and run the situation. But I don't think they are going to do as good a job as I do." -Mike Dunleavy Sr.

by CLiPPz WeRD 12 on Dec 27, 2011 12:19 AM PST up reply actions  

Its good to see "Club O" in full effect.

I considered myself one of the original members and even thru out all
the negatives always stayed positive. So 1 game won and 65 more to
win towards a perfect 66-0. Ha Ha O.K. maybe to much O effect but it
does sound good.

by ENCUEROMAN on Dec 27, 2011 3:56 PM PST up reply actions  

Clipper fans are intellectual

they talk bout the philosophy of loving the Clips as appose to the Lakers fans hating on us and discussing the same kobe gossip for 48 hrs straight on 710 ESPN.

by agolden on Dec 27, 2011 9:34 AM PST reply actions  

i was listening to 710 am the other day

and a caller said the lakers were one of the few teams in the league that had knowledgeable fans. lol

by ekker3 on Dec 27, 2011 4:57 PM PST up reply actions  

No Marko love?

The man who brought us CP3? The Nation should thank him profusely during this holiday season.

Remembers when you could buy a nosebleed ticket at the Sports Arena and end up courtside.

by ganima on Dec 27, 2011 9:36 AM PST reply actions  

The man who brought us CP3...

AND Sam Cassell. Marko Jaric is the gift who keeps on giving.

Clippers // Chargers // Rays // Boise State
"The Lakers do win games. But things can change." - Blake Griffin

by 82-0 on Dec 27, 2011 9:39 AM PST up reply actions  

Can he share his wife with me please?

"Things change when something is taken away from you" -BG32

by JackduhSun on Dec 27, 2011 3:30 PM PST up reply actions  

Marko was interesting

The Clips have had their share of interesting Euros thru the yrs. Marko was a good defender (rare for a Euro) and an alright PG….but blew at least one point blank layup a game. That drove fans and MDSr insane. Livingston was a rookie back then….the PG controversy was Marko vs Livingston…….ah, the good old days.

"After the first six minutes I was heavily winded"-Andrew Bynum

by oasisman on Dec 27, 2011 10:12 AM PST up reply actions  

"interesting" is a good way to put it

Marko was probably the best of the lot. We all know how well the Korolev experiment went and who can forget Peja Drobnjak?!

Remembers when you could buy a nosebleed ticket at the Sports Arena and end up courtside.

by ganima on Dec 27, 2011 1:51 PM PST up reply actions  

My only gripe against Jaric

is that he stole my girlfriend and married her.

by hadouken! on Dec 27, 2011 10:22 AM PST via mobile up reply actions  

I have the same problem

My girlfriend went to NY and is now dating Mark Sanchez.

"Who wants a free Sharpie?"

by PV Mike on Dec 27, 2011 12:18 PM PST up reply actions  

Problem:

that was my girlfriend too!

"Things change when something is taken away from you" -BG32

by JackduhSun on Dec 27, 2011 3:31 PM PST up reply actions  

Thank you Marko!!!!

"look, you can find any coach you want, bring him in here and run the situation. But I don't think they are going to do as good a job as I do." -Mike Dunleavy Sr.

by CLiPPz WeRD 12 on Dec 27, 2011 12:16 PM PST up reply actions  

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