Clippers versus Trailblazers - Game Preview
by John Raffo on Jan 1, 2012 8:32 AM PST
in Game Previews
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| 2011/2012 NBA Regular Season | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
vs. |  |
| 1-2 | 3-0 | |
| Staples Center | ||
| January 1, 2012 6:30 PM | ||
| Prime Ticket, KFWB 980 AM | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Chris Paul | PG | Raymond Felton |
| Chauncey Billups | SG | Wesley Matthews |
| Caron Butler | SF | Gerald Wallace |
| Blake Griffin | PF | LaMarcus Aldridge |
| DeAndre Jordan | C | Marcus Camby |
Back Story:
First meeting of the season for the Clippers and Trailblazers, and the Blazers are looking for their sixth victory in a row against the Clips. Both teams are in transition with significantly different rosters this year.
The Antagonist:
The Blazers had a couple of major disappointments this past year. First, and foremost, this is the first season out of the the last six that they'll be without the services of three time all-star Brandon Roy, forced into retirement after half a dozen surgeries on his knees that have apparently ended his basketball career. They're also starting the season without center Greg Oden, first pick in the 2008 draft, who missed 20 games in his first season, 60 in his second, all of his third, and, apparently all of this year as well, his fourth. But don't feel too sorry for the Blazers, they are experienced and deep with almost-all star LaMarcus Aldridge, Gerald Wallace, and a crop of tough role players in Marcus Camby, Wesley Matthews, Jamal Crawford, and newcomer Raymond Felton, a point guard traded for Andre Miller, one of the most hated men to ever wear a Clipper uniform. They've also got Nicholas Batum and shored up their back-up center spot with the ageless Kurt Thomas.
- Aldridge versus Griffin. More than a few people (and all Blazer fans) thought LMA should have gotten the nod for the all-star team over Griffin last year, and for good reason. Drafted the same year as Roy, the sixth year power forward went 22/9/2 last year. He's good... and he's the better defender.
- The coaches. Vinny Del Negro versus Nate McMillan. McMillan has the most hostile glare in the NBA. Really. You want this guy on your side. Vinny? Really good hair. Not scary. As coaches? McMillan's the real thing.
- The Trailblazers traded away Andre Miller this off-season. Clipper fans didn't like Andre Miller. When the Clips front office traded for him in 2002, Miller took a team that had won 39 games the year before and managed to win 23 and the very capable Alvin Gentry took the fall. And then, seven years later, there was this. I like Portland. Nice town. They did the right thing in getting rid of this guy.
- The benches. Let's see... Nicolas Batum, Kurt Thomas, and Jamal Crawford vs.Mo Williams, Brian Cook, and Ryan Gomes. Maybe the Clipper starters can go 48.
- Quick who is Portland's GM? After firing Kevin Pritchard and then Rich Cho, owner and billionaire Paul Allen has been slow to choose a new guy. It's only a rumor that his cabalistic inner circle at "Vulcan Productions" are running the show. Despite all this, the Trailblazers managed to bring in Crawford and Thomas. Camby and Thomas give the Blazers the oldest center rotation in the galaxy.
- Clippers don't get any breaks. Portland's 3-0 record is no accident. They're a well-coached, experienced team that's come back quickly from the loss of Brandon Roy... replacing his ouput with improvement from Aldridge and the estimable Gerald Wallace. Remember all the pundits who predicted big things for the Clippers this year? There are a lot of good teams in the west. Portland's one of them.
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Blazer fan here
first off happy new years to you all. not quite sure how i’m awake right now, went to san francisco for the countdown and don’t remember too much of the night, thank you jagermeister.
but even with all of that being said there’s simply no denying the awesomeness of Gerald Wallace on our team. He’s a matchup nightmare for any team.
Just curious
Does “Dave” who wrote your game preview at Blazers Edge always spend as much time talking about how flawed the opponents are in his write ups. It also appears most of the Blazer bloggers are spending more time dissing the Clippers and their fans than most competitive blogs before a game. Maybe that is just the style of Blazer’s Edge which is okay. Good luck to the Blazers today and to your hangover. I expect a sluggish game today.
"Who wants a free Sharpie?"
I hope not sluggish
I just have a feeling on New Years Day Sunday it may be that way. As a Clippers fan you have to be pretty thick skinned but if my sister is ugly I will defend her. I just felt the tone of their bloggers so far has been pretty condescending. No big deal.
"Who wants a free Sharpie?"
Dave tends to write things exactly as he sees them
with a heavy dose of allegory sometimes. You guys have a pretty decent starting 5 but there are a couple of blank spots. Dave did say your Clips could easily win even if LMA had a good game though so I feel he does give your team some credit.
Some of what you’re seeing may come with increased relevance too. If the Clips start beating up on teams this season you’ll have to get used to a lot more hate from other fans.
Hmm
You guys have a pretty decent starting 5
Actually its more than pretty decent, its pretty good BUT we have NO bench right now. We’re essentially a 6 player team right now (and down to 5 with Billups out).
Help us Altered Beast you're our only hope.
by ClipperChuck on Jan 1, 2012 10:18 AM PST up reply actions
Yeah I used "pretty decent" to make sure I didn't overstate things
CP3 and Billups are awesome and solid veteran. Griffin is a beast on his way to becoming great and Jordan has the chance at being pretty good. I have to see your guys play some defense before I can call the starting 5 “pretty good”.
I’m sure that may come tonight though from what I’ve read. Even Griffin is talking defense after your last couple of games. That’s a good sign for the Clips.
Blazer fan!
I’ve noticed Dave doesn’t jump to change his opinion on things. He won’t jump on the bandwagon…on the reverse side…he won’t bail on what/who has earned his loyalty. So I don’t think he is excessively negative at all. The Clippers just haven’t earned his respect yet.
If the Clippers play a good game and win he will point this out!
Your team should continue to be fun to watch..between Chris Paul and Griffen. And playing in LA…not much downside right?
Dave has always been an attention to detail type of guy in his previews
Some would say he’s a pessimistic Blazers fan, but I think he just try’s to check his fan homer-ism at the door when he decides to write his previews.
As for Blazer fans dissing the Clippers, I think a lot of that just has to do with the fact that you guys are the new ESPN darlings, and it didn’t help that Aldridge didn’t make the all-star game last year while Blake got to jump over a Kia, so yeah were a little bitter about that.
I personally think you guys are going to take a little while to gel, but you guys will be good in the end, and most likely a scary opponent in the playoffs.
And lastly, screw the Lakers.
This is the same Dave that thought Aldridge belong in the all star game....
instead of Griffin. So i guess their might be a little bias. As a blogger i guess its
ok to write your opinions but opinions are like a$$holes everyone has one.
Aldridge did deserve to be in the all star game
He has a more complete offensive repertoir with a very good 18 foot jumper, and also plays far better defense than Blake. He also makes his free throws.
Most people thought Aldridge was a better player than Blake last year, and I am one of them.
by NewCavsfan on Jan 1, 2012 1:35 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Oh thats right Griffin was only a rookie last year.
Maybe he needs to go 30 & 15 and 80% FT for an encore in his
second full season then maybe it might make some believers
out of some of you. His defense will come with maturity. If you
pay attention he’s asking the older guys about what to do better.
I've liked Griffen ever since he took the Miller shove like a man.
Just jumped right up without complaining at all. Was at the game and saw what was pissing off Miller..and Blake knew the same.
He seems like a great player and person!
+1
Dude needs to just be happy portland pulls it out of thier Arse every year. and they have camby too…..
Bastards
by clipperdaryl2 on Jan 1, 2012 3:22 PM PST up reply actions
I Hate These Games
Sorry for the rant on this.
Even though I am a Clippers fan first I still like to watch the Lakers play. Yes I know heresy. LOL
So today we have one of those I hate the schedule days where the Clippers and Lakers games overlap time wise.
Years ago before Twitter and when NBA scores were not flashed all the time on the screen of a game or whatnot if you were lucky you could VTR something (pre-VCR days) and then watch the game that you were taping without knowing who won the game that you taping.
Today it is almost impossible to do even if you ignore Twitter while the game that you are recording on the VCR is being played.
Yes you can try and watch both games on once but that sucks IMO
Thanks for reading the rant.
Happy New Year to those who observe the Gregorian New Year, which I do.
Don't The Trailbazers
have some guy named Craig Smith on their roster? LOL
The only action he has seen so far this season was about 8 minutes vs the Kings on the 27th of December.
Blazers notebook: After 3-0 start, Portland tests self on road, starting against revamped Clippers
Blazers forward Craig Smith, who played for the Clippers the last two seasons, went against Griffin in practice each day and calls him “very energetic” and a player with a high work ethic. Smith said he could see the difference Griffin made in fan interest in the Clippers.
“It was on the rise last year, with Blake emerging his rookie year,” Smith said. “But now with the addition of Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups, they’ve really got a good feeling.”
The game will pit Griffin against the Blazers’ LaMarcus Aldridge, who many thought should have been on the Western Conference All-Star team last season. Smith, who goes against Aldridge in practice now, said the two power forward aren’t not all that alike.
“L.A. is a different type of player,” Smith said. “He can really shoot, he can back down. He’s a very intelligent player.”
What's the significance of Smith's words?
Are you making a point? Do you think Smith’s saying LMA is a better player than Griffin?
Wrong Side Of The Bed eh
Sounds like you are in a nasty mood this morning. Not a good way to generate positive karma at the beginning of the Gregorian year. LOL
But to answer your question. I am sure that there are some Craig Smith fans, I know I am, who read Clips Nation and may not have seen this quote from Smith
So since the Trailblazers and Smith play the Clippers today I thought the quote may be of some interest to Smith fans who read Clips Nation.
Nuff said on this. Time to move on.
Rhino
was my favorite bench player the last couple of seasons. It sucks the Clips gave Cook a 2 year deal which I have to figure played a big role in the Clips keeping Cook over Rhino.
Help us Altered Beast you're our only hope.
by ClipperChuck on Jan 1, 2012 10:20 AM PST up reply actions
egads
according to Hoopshype, Rhino is making less than a million.
http://hoopshype.com/salaries/portland.htm
Why isn’t he still here :(
Help us Altered Beast you're our only hope.
by ClipperChuck on Jan 1, 2012 10:22 AM PST up reply actions
Hmmm... maybe I am being grumpy...
Steve was supposed to write this preview and I struggled with the format, couldn’t find a pic I liked, went on and on about Miller, who doesn’t even play for them anymore, FORGOT that the Blazers have Rhino, got the post up late, etc.
But I really don’t understand the significance of Smith’s words. To my mind, he was pretty down the middle.
The Signficance Of His Words
Is that he said them.
I am pretty sure that most of us have listened to people speak or read what they wrote when there might not have been much if any significance in what they said or wrote, not talking about anyone here yet we still listen to them say the words or read what they wrote just because that person said them or wrote them.
That is all there is to it. Hope this clarifies it.
Aldridge should have been all star over blake
blake is way more spectacular, but LMA is a lot more efficient on both sides of the floor.
Many here agreed with that last year
and LMA was very humble when Blake got the nod. Let’s face it the All Star game is pretty much just a showcase of streetball and Blake is far more entertaining than Aldridge.
Aldridge was also one of Blake’s hardest opponents last year due to his length.
"Who wants a free Sharpie?"
Paris Clip man you must be a Griffin hater!
Why are you constantly doing blake wrong. The other day you said he was lazy and now
he didn’t belong in the All star game. I guess you must not look at stats.Lamarcus Stats
were better than Blakes.
lamarcus stats were not better than Blakes!
brijo1
by ThaFoX on Jan 1, 2012 3:01 PM PST via Android app up reply actions
Im sorry but a 20/10/3 average needs to be an all star
Aldridge is really good, but Blake was better last year.
we’re cheap, like to drink and are pissed off.
WHO WANTS A FREE SHARPIE?? -- Blake Griffin
you mean 22 12 and almost 4!
and yes all star!
brijo1
by ThaFoX on Jan 1, 2012 3:00 PM PST via Android app up reply actions
blake also gets the crowd into it is well as his own team!
can’t underestimate how big that is!
brijo1
by ThaFoX on Jan 1, 2012 2:56 PM PST via Android app up reply actions
I Don't Know What His Status Is
but I found this
Like everyone, Reggie Evans wanted to play for Clippers
December 26th, 2011, 10:09 pm · Post a Comment · posted by JANIS CARR, OCREGISTER.COM
Why did Reggie Evans, a nine-year veteran, sign a free agent contract with the Clippers?
"I wanted to win," Evans said Monday. "I took a two-year vacation in not making the playoffs, you know (playing with Toronto the past seasons.) I feel like coming here, my chance are good. I feel happy. It’s exciting
more on link above
Caron needs to step it up
He’s been giving a pass from the Nation but he’s only grabbed 4 rebounds outside of the Warriors game. He’ll have his hands full with Wallace.
Remembers when you could buy a nosebleed ticket at the Sports Arena and end up courtside.
by ganima on Jan 1, 2012 10:01 AM PST via iPhone app reply actions
and Batum
Blazers have some pretty good wing players.
Help us Altered Beast you're our only hope.
by ClipperChuck on Jan 1, 2012 10:23 AM PST up reply actions
the blazers always give us problems...i really dislike them for some reason
we’re gonna get that big W clips and get back on track tonight
I Used To Like Them When Walton Played For Them
since I am a UCLA alumnus.
Since he left I have regarding them as meh. LOL
loved the blazers back then with walton!
brijo1
by ThaFoX on Jan 1, 2012 3:03 PM PST via Android app up reply actions
The Blazers have a 6 game winning streak against the Clips..
Will it end tonight? I say……Yes
we’re cheap, like to drink and are pissed off.
WHO WANTS A FREE SHARPIE?? -- Blake Griffin
I Found This
Chauncey Billups (groin) took some shots after practice on Saturday and hopes to return vs. the Trail Blazers on Sunday.
“I’m going to come in [Sunday] and see how it feels,” Billups said. “I want to play, but we’ll just have to see how things go.” If he doesn’t play Sunday he’ll get a few extra days of rest before the Clippers play again on Wednesday (they only have two games in Week 2). Jan 1 – 12:03 PM
Source: Los Angeles Times
Chauncey
should only be a one year rental. He gives us valuable experience and leadership, but let’s be honest; his game is going South. We need to upgrade with a younger, more defensive player in the off-season.
"Where will the Clippers be without Sean Rooks" - The big red head
Is reggie gonna play today?
I wanna see him ball so hard.
we’re cheap, like to drink and are pissed off.
WHO WANTS A FREE SHARPIE?? -- Blake Griffin
michaeleaves Michael Eaves
Don MacLean tells us how the @LAClippers rebounding and defensive issues are tied together on #ClippersLive at 6pm on PrimeTicket. #Clippers
53 minutes ago
they sure are
giving up offensive rebounds is essentially a turnover. You can hold a team to 35% shooting but if they get 10 more shots up because of the rebounding disparity you’ll lose (see game 7 of the Lakers vs Celtics).
Help us Altered Beast you're our only hope.
by ClipperChuck on Jan 1, 2012 11:59 AM PST up reply actions
Generally I like the Blazers
But their fans showed a complete lack of class on their blog in justifying Andre’s molestation of Griffin.
remember that
Not hard to believe, but it’s always astonishing to see people cheer for shit like that.
by dulciusXasperis on Jan 1, 2012 12:09 PM PST up reply actions
Was at the game.
Blake was fine. He got up and didn’t even complain. Also he wasn’t in the air. I really hate it when players take out other players who are in the air…ie: BYNUM.
Blake was shoving Miller ..had shoved him 3x and no calls were made…so I put this on the poor REFFING…they were allowing this when they should have called fouls.
So when Miller did this…Miller said to the ref : “now we are even”. No foul was called during the game. NONE.
Apparently the ref knew..Miller had complained to the ref after 2 shoves…after the 3rd…that’s when he took it upon himself to get even.
Not saying it was right.
And after many complaints…Miller got a suspension. So he more than paid for it…broke his very long streak of not missing games.
I think that had things been reversed…almost any fan would be on the side of the player who got even. There were many Blazer fans who thought what Miller did was horrible.
"Apparently the ref knew" - WRONG
None of the refs saw it, that’s why it wasn’t called.
Shoving under the basket happens all the time in NBA games. Sometimes it’s called, but a low %. The fact that Andre didn’t understand that is very surprising.
Here's Hoping for Some Better Play
Specifically, I want to see:
Chris Paul in better shape. What’s with fat Clipper PGs? I trust this will come, but it can’t come fast enough,
DeAndre commit to being a dominant defensive reboumder, and be more selective on his shot block attempts.
Blake to pay with the energy and effort we have come to expect of him.
Gomes to never leave the bench.
The selfish, immature gunner who wears 25 to be traded and a healthy Eric Bledsoe to take his minutes.
More time.
Also, I hope the Older clippers have been introduced to Cryotherapy. It helps a ton with recovery and there’s a machine 5 miles from Staples.
I am so frustrated
When pundits give Blake a “get out of jail free” card regarding his defense. They say his arms are too short. B.S….there are other intangibles to playing defense than just blocking shots. He is our franchise player, but let’s not be blind here.
"Where will the Clippers be without Sean Rooks" - The big red head
It Is Pretty Much Accepted By the Basketball Intelligensia That You Play Defense
first and foremost with your feet.
I agree with that, though certainly your basketball acumen and desire to play defense rank pretty high in importance when it comes to defining how well a player plays defense.
I hear you
But it’s really a problem with team defense and team rebounding. It’s far more than one on one match ups. Nobody is rebounding well.
has the potential to be a great defensive player!
BG has the potential to be a great defense player I cant under stand why the coaching staff does not help with this you can see that he just need some minor adjustments on defense!
okay a lot!
I think that he can be a shot blocker like le bron! if he puts ln the effort, seems like BG IS so afraid to get fouls called on him!
brijo1
by ThaFoX on Jan 1, 2012 3:09 PM PST via Android app up reply actions
If you want Bledsoe to take Mo's minutes you want a worse team
He may have improved over the summer, but the Bledsoe of last year should not be trusted with 25 minutes per game on a supposed contender.
Also, what on earth is up with the Mo is a chucker thing. Yes, he shoots a lot, but he is also making shots, and he has decent assist stats considering he has been playing less minutes and mainly at SG. We need players to take shots, and I have no issue with Caron, Mo, or Billups taking up to 12 shots a game, unless they are on fire in which case they can take more. Griffin is still not a player who can get his every single time down the floor, DJ certainly cant, and CP3 is best used as a playmaker- hence the other 3 guys are our primary shooters.
Mo is a chucker
Always has been. I wouldn’t want to play with him. It’s more pronounced now, because his fragile ego has been threatened by the other, better guards on the roster. So now he feels compelled to get his, at the expense of the team. He’s moping, and the Times reported that last game Butler yelled at him to pass the ball.
It’s not just the number of shots, it’s the number of times it’s forced and contested early in the shot clock, never giving a chance of for anything to develop. People hate playing with that, in the NBA or in a pickup game. It also means DJ, Blake etc may not be down the court and in the lane to try for a put back. If he misses, and he misses a lot in these situations, it basically concedes the possession.
I don’t mind Maurice taking his shots in the context of the offense, or at the rim on a fast break. I mind the early in the shot clock, nobody else touching the ball contested 22 footer.
He’s also a pathetic sieve defensively. Always has been.
But the new problem is how is this is affected this fragile and developing chemistry. He’s a realm wild card in a lot of ways right now, and he’s not helping matters at all with his crappy and selfish attitude.
We really dont know anything about the chemistry in the locker room though
People yell at each other all the time in NBA games, and finding out where your teammates want it on the court and where they are comfortable shooting from is all part of jelling.
Look at Durant and Westbrook: they had to be seperated on the bench a few days ago, and everyone made a huge deal about it, but they are fine otherwise, playing well together, and winning.
Right now, the only evidence we have that Mo is a problem is from a Bill Plaschke article- he is a shitty writer and likes to hype things up.
It's common sense
People don’t like playing with ball dominant point guards that shoot first and think they are better than they are. That’s human nature,
It's a great new years gift
The Clippers are hosting this game, otherwise they have no business winning this game. Portland is a good defensive unit and has won 3 in a row, I look for the Clippers to play with ALOT more energy and determination. We take this one, though by a narrow margin.
"Where will the Clippers be without Sean Rooks" - The big red head
I think that home court gives something like 2.5 points.
Not positive on the exact number but close to this.
I agree with Vegas this time
and have put some money in it.
"Where will the Clippers be without Sean Rooks" - The big red head
Don't think they will. Much of that was on Brandon Roy.
There was a ton of drama about his playing…team was in a funk.
Not so this year.
Whoa - Kevin Arnovitz Compares Similarities of Cliippers and Raptors
kevinarnovitz Kevin Arnovitz
Clippers enter play as the NBA’s No. 1 offense and No. 30 defense (es.pn/bRDe7f
) 09-10 Raps did that for a while.
45 minutes ago
Not surprised the offense is fine
CP3 is that good. 10+ ast with just 2.3 turnovers? That’s so sick.
But the D is disappointing, especially considering they have a ballhawk in CP3 and a lane clogger in DJ. The bench is SO BAD trading Mo or Bledsoe becomes a bigger priority each passing day.
Help us Altered Beast you're our only hope.
Its usually based on possessions
based on 100 possessions the Clips are 3rd in offense and 30th (last) in defense.
Help us Altered Beast you're our only hope.
Raptors
Didn’t play defense or rebound, either. That’s an apt comparison so far.
Just went to the Hornets site
EJ missing his third straight game. Already talk he has missed more games the last 3 years than CP3.
"Who wants a free Sharpie?"
Please we need to rebound the ball.
Blake and DJ concentrate on rebounding the ball. DJ doesn’t have to try to block everything that is thrown at the basket. Guys stay with you man on defense. Don’t leave guys so wide open on the wings. Blake play inside and go to the basket..don’t worry about the critics. No chucking the ball..that really irritates me. I can’t stand low percentage shots when something better is available. Let’s have fun and win.
I was more optimistic against the Bull
and got rewarded with a loss. I won’t say anything here. We have the advantage at PG and no where else.
by mustang6944 on Jan 1, 2012 4:40 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
You are misreading the lines
the Clippers are favored by 3.5
Help us Altered Beast you're our only hope.
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