/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65765384/1183684559.jpg.0.jpg)
Hello Clipper Nation! Your Los Angeles Clippers went 3-0 in a heart attack inducing run of close games this week. The winning started with a 90-88 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder and former Clipper favorites Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. On Wednesday, the Clippers defeated the Boston Celtics 107-104 in a thrilling overtime battle. Friday another win, as the Clippers defeated the Houston Rockets with a spectacular closeout effort.
Here are the week’s highlights through the eyes of Twitter....
Welcome Back Shai and Danilo!
Monday’s match-up with Oklahoma City marked the return of fan favorites Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari, the pair’s first visit to Staples Center since being traded to the Thunder as part of the Paul George deal this summer.
The duo was met with arena-wide cheers and a sweet tribute video.
It’s all love.
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 19, 2019
Welcome back, @gallinari8888 and @shaiglalex. pic.twitter.com/txPcqStyjv
Paul George’s First Game-Winner
In addition to marking the return of Gallo and Shai, Monday’s match-up pitted Paul George against his former team for the first time since his departure.
George’s performance was a drop off offensively from his first two appearance this season, due primarily to the defensive effort of Terrance Ferguson. Young Trece was held to just 18 points in 29 minutes and committed seven turnovers. Despite the relatively mediocre performance, George proved the be the hero of the game, hitting a dagger from three-point range with 25 seconds left in regulation.
PG13 comes up clutch against his former team pic.twitter.com/SAb95ud0Gt
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 19, 2019
The shot ended up being the game winner, as Oklahoma City was unable to convert on the following possession after misses by both Gilgeous-Alexander and Gallinari. The irony of how the game played out in the final minute was not lost on Clipper fans.
Damn Paul George really requested a trade to the clippers and the return OKC got back both missed game winners while George hit the game winner that's the most cold blooded I ever seen from basketball gods
— ClipperLover94 (@LoveClippers1) November 19, 2019
PG13 and the Klaw make their Dynamic Duo Debut
Fans were hoping to see PG-13 and Kawhi Leonard on the floor together for the first time in Monday’s game against the Thunder, but had to wait patiently for Wednesday’s contest against the Boston Celtics to see the dynamic duo. Predictably, Kawhi sitting out against Oklahoma City solicited more “load management” criticisms ... and jokes. Too bad The Onion couldn’t find a background photo with guys actually still on the roster, but I digress....
Clippers Ask Everyone To Keep It Down While They Rest Kawhi Leonard https://t.co/dmRkOe7ZnX pic.twitter.com/2qxRyaG041
— The Onion (@TheOnion) November 21, 2019
As exciting as it was to see the Clippers’ two stars on the hardwood together, the OT game against the Celtics was unusually sloppy. Los Angeles turned the ball over 23 times, with Leonard and George combining for 10 of those errors. Not to take credit away from Boston, who were particularly effective in trap defense, but the Clippers’ lack of chemistry was on full display. Silver lining, they are still winning while growing as a team.
George was second best for the Clippers on the night with 25 points (Lou Williams had 27), including this bucket.
We can get used to this.@kawhileonard → @Yg_Trece pic.twitter.com/CogMjpumgJ
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 21, 2019
George also had eight assists, five boards and this nasty, GTFOH block.
This block by PG13 should be rated R.
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 21, 2019
@FoxSportsWest | @Yg_Trece pic.twitter.com/413120WsbI
Leonard, a tad bit rusty after a three-game absence, finished with 17 points on 7-for-20 shooting, including a poster-worthy, “somebody call 911” flush over Daniel Theis.
Kawhi Leonard just literally ended Daniel Theis life with that dunk#ClipperNation #Celtics pic.twitter.com/9Yb1qzEoRU
— freewilly2.0 (@therealwill1723) November 21, 2019
The dunk was so savage fans were predicting the Klaw may need a few days off to recover.
Kawhi going to need two games off after that dunk
— tayö (@tayoshi2) November 21, 2019
Leonard also contributed six rebounds in the outing and was responsible for a game-sealing block on Kemba Walker’s three-point attempt at the buzzer. Fun Guy Kawhi reacted in typical fashion. That is, with no reaction at all. #AllBusiness #Terminator
I love that after Kawhi has a game saving block, he just calmly walks off the court with zero emotion like it's a timeout. #Clippers pic.twitter.com/KkZAO5ih5L
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) November 21, 2019
Patrick Beverley Owns the Celtics
Although the George-Leonard debut was the main storyline going into Wednesday’s contest against Boston, it was not the main storyline coming out. The pairing of the NBA elites was overshadowed by the play of everyone’s favorite irritant, Patrick Beverley. Beverley had an unreal stat line in 41 minutes of play:
- 14 points (including four three-pointers in the final frame and overtime);
- 16 rebounds, a game high (reminder, he is 6’1);
- 7 assists;
- 3 steals;
- 2 blocks.
Mr. 94 Feet quite literally single-handedly hustled the Clippers to victory.
Nobody:
— Kendall (9-2) (@_kendallrjones_) November 21, 2019
Patrick Beverley for 48 minutes every night: pic.twitter.com/c038nrJtoB
NBA fans took note, and Celtics fans were frustrated.
Can someone guard Beverley??? Anyone??? #Celtics
— Andrew Johnston (@ARJ7X) November 21, 2019
Beverley has hit 3 of those in a row!!!
— Bleed Green ☘️ (11-4) (@BballCeltics33) November 21, 2019
Celtics really let Pat Beverley grab 16 damn rebounds
— Marco Freshcobar® (@TheEazyEffect) November 21, 2019
The game also highlighted a budding rivalry between Marcus Smart and Beverley.
When Marcus Smart and Patrick Beverley take the court pic.twitter.com/4dL1Lyzg51
— Yousef Nasser (@7he1stYous) November 21, 2019
Post game, Beverley was asked by reporters what it was like playing against Smart, a guy “that matches [Beverley’s] intensity.” Beverley’s response? A chuckle, followed by “that’s funny.” Smart later responded by claiming to be on “another level” than Beverley and stating “[y]ou put me up against Pat, I think you know who’ll win that battle.” Ballsy statement given that Smart had just finished going up against Pat, and we all saw who won that battle. #Facts #FunAssGame
"That s--- was fun as hell." - @patbev21 pic.twitter.com/NEFwLKDE9u
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 21, 2019
Houston, we have a Problem, and His Name is Lou Williams
It’s not exactly breaking news that “Sweet Lou” is very good at basketball. In fact, he’s brilliant. However, his performance in the second half against the Houston Rockets on Friday was next level. Williams was was scoreless in the first half of the match-up but caught fire in the second half, scoring 26 points including two clutch threes down the stretch.
Gonna tell my kids this was Lou Williams pic.twitter.com/FKnED0vixR
— Cam Hart (@cam__hart) November 23, 2019
See his complete highlights HERE.
An emotional Lou caught up with Jaime Maggio after the game, and was embraced by a grateful Montrezl Harrell who dubbed him “Big Shot Williams.”
BIG SHOT WILLIAMS, BABY!@TeamLou23 | @MONSTATREZZ pic.twitter.com/bsD5sDrpzV
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 23, 2019
Other Odds and Ends
City Edition Jerseys!
On Friday the Clippers unveiled their City Edition Jerseys. The Clippers social media team posted a video about the design / designer. Worth a watch.
Behind the design of the 2019/20 City Edition.
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 23, 2019
Skip Bayless got his customized jersey, and it looks like Shannon Sharpe is a little jelly. #SorryNotSorry. Personally, I love that Skip has joined Clipper Nation. Most media are still lingering in Laker-ville.
.@RealSkipBayless: "I want to thank the LA Clippers for giving me their new Nike City Edition Jersey which they will unveil tonight! We now know the Clippers own Staples and the Lakers are equivalent of squatters!"@ShannonSharpe: "You're a tenant in our building!" pic.twitter.com/5xMBMZMse2
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) November 22, 2019
Lou Williams Featured on the ALL THE SMOKE Podcast
If you are not listening to the ALL THE SMOKE podcast, you are truly missing out. The podcast is hosted by two of the most outspoken and controversial players of their time, Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. The pair dish on the latest news and drama from on and off the court. This week, Barnes and Jackson hosted the Underground Goat Williams, who shared stories about almost being robbed on Christmas and earning 15k as a fresh-out-of high school rookie for drinking a six-pack of beer on a dare during a team bus ride to board a plane. Good times.
Pat Bev Fined for Flopping
Patrick Beverley is the first to sacrifice his body during games; he is quite the expert at drawing offensive fouls. Admittedly, however, he can sometimes get a bit overly dramatic. On Wednesday Beverley received a warning for exaggerating the impact of getting raked across the face by the Celtic’s Jayson Tatum.
Just give Patrick Beverley an Oscar already pic.twitter.com/FjvFteYdB4
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) November 21, 2019
Doris Burke was obviously amused.
Later in the week the Clippers’ dogged defender was fined $5,000 for violating the league’s anti-flop rules after this play involving James Harden.
LAC’s Patrick Beverley fined $5000 for violating league’s anti-flopping rules for the 2nd time this season on Nov.22 vs. HOU. pic.twitter.com/CMvukpXIxY
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) November 23, 2019
The fine led to many calling out the league for inconsistency and favoritism towards players like Harden, Chris Paul and Nikola Jokić, all of whom flop regularly and use questionable (and dangerous) tactics to draw fouls on defenders. The criticisms are certainly fair.
Beverley and easy target. When they fine Paul and Harden then we know they’re serious. Clippers guard Patrick Beverley fined $5,000 for flopping https://t.co/5XzeULCZvy
— Matthew Roma (@matthewroma) November 24, 2019
@NBA if you gonna fine @patbev21 you have to do the same for @JHarden13 he grabs your arms into him and you call fouls on the defense and award him with free throws so he should be fined as well
— Lon (@Officiallon) November 23, 2019
Needs to be completely regulated out of the league. Not only a ridiculous play but will end up hurting a player’s elbow. Harden and Jokic do this regularly now. https://t.co/KdSMHhEe4q
— Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT (@3cbPerformance) November 23, 2019
The report of the fine also prompted this response from Pat Bev himself.
what NAW MAN https://t.co/R2QDDoy5DL
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) November 23, 2019
Could he be more “on brand”?
That’s it for this week. See you online!