Clips Nation - Clippers-Kings game coverageWhat it do babyyyhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47967/clipsnation_fave.png2015-01-17T22:25:27-08:00http://www.clipsnation.com/rss/stream/74188102015-01-17T22:25:27-08:002015-01-17T22:25:27-08:00Clippers beat Kings, 117-108
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BZo1VE2MeOULIM0IrQrN7YWPlPE=/0x0:4123x2749/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45342982/usa-today-8336517.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Clippers crafted a nice win in Sacramento behind big nights from Blake Griffin and Matt Barnes, who combined for 56 points and 15 rebounds.</p> <p>41 down, 41 to go.</p>
<p>Tonight marked the halfway point of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Clippers</a>' season (boy, time flies when you're arguing in the comments section!), and with tonight's win, they stand at a solid 27-14.</p>
<p>The game remained close throughout the first half, and <span>Matt Barnes</span> continued his recent trend of spectacular play, as he exploded for 22 points in 19 first half minutes (he would finish with 26). The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Sacramento Kings</a> were without center <span>DeMarcus Cousins</span>, who is dealing with an ankle injury, but they managed 13 offensive boards in the half despite old friend <span>Ryan Hollins</span> starting in place of the injured Cousins.</p>
<p>The Clippers pulled away in the third quarter, powered by <span>Blake Griffin's</span> 18 second half points (he finished with 30, 5, and 5). <span>Chris Paul</span>'s shooting struggles continued, but he still managed 12 points and nine assists. <span>Jamal Crawford</span> was once again the lone star off the bench, and threw in 13 points on a tough 5-15 shooting night. For the Kings, <span>Jason Thompson</span> finished with 23 points and 22 boards, while <span>Rudy Gay</span> came back from a minor knee injury to score 22 off the bench.</p>
<p>Newly acquired guard <span>Austin Rivers</span> remains field-goalless as a Clipper thus far (0-7), but he did tally his first point of his Clipper career on one made free throw in the third quarter. But Rivers' effort tonight was not futile--he was active on defense, full of energy and managed to force a few turnovers. For what it's worth, it's nice to see a little pep in the step of the backup point guard.</p>
<p>Next up for the Clippers are the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Boston Celtics</a>, who will visit Staples Center for a Martin Luther King Day matinee.</p>
https://www.clipsnation.com/2015/1/17/7656413/clippers-beat-kings-117-108Jul Jessup2015-01-17T19:05:01-08:002015-01-17T19:05:01-08:00Clippers-Kings open thread
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/e7ybd5Nw78EnxAKYoBDNO_SHq1Q=/0x0:4229x2819/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45323834/usa-today-8181652.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>DeMarcus Cousins was a late scratch for Sacramento, which should make things a bit easier on the Clippers in their quest to avoid a second loss to the Kings.</p> <table align="center" cellpadding="5" border="1" cellspacing="5" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver">2014/2015 NBA Regular Season</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240"><center><img alt="Bvv028jd1hhr8ee8ii7a0fg4i_medium" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/472353/bvv028jd1hhr8ee8ii7a0fg4i_medium.gif"></center></td>
<th align="center" width="20">vs</th>
<td width="240"><center> <a href="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/297819/832.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="832_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/297819/832_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1397280986255"> </center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240"><center><b>26-14</b></center></td>
<th align="center" width="20"><br></th>
<td width="240"><center><b>16-23</b></center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><b>January 17, 2015, 7:00 PM</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>Sleep Train Arena</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>Prime Ticket, KFWB 980 AM, KWKW 1330 AM</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver">Win-Loss Breakdown</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: right;"><b>11-8</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">East</th>
<td width="240" style="text-align: left;"><b>4-8</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: right;"><b>15-6</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">West</th>
<td width="240" style="text-align: left;"><b>12-15</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: right;"><b>17-7</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">Home</th>
<td width="240" style="text-align: left;"><b>10-13</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: right;"><b>9-7</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">Road</th>
<td width="240" style="text-align: left;"><b>6-10</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: right;"><b>8-11</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">.500+</th>
<td width="240" style="text-align: left;"><b>6-12</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: right;"><b>18-3</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">.500-</th>
<td width="240" style="text-align: left;"><b>10-11</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: right;"><b>6-4</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">L10</th>
<td width="240" style="text-align: left;"><b>4-6</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><b>Probable Starters</b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><b><span>Chris Paul</span></b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">PG</th>
<td width="240"><b><span>Darren Collison</span></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><b><span>J.J. Redick</span></b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">SG</th>
<td width="240"><b><span>Ben McLemore</span></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><b><span>Matt Barnes</span></b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">SF</th>
<td width="240"><b><span>Derrick Williams</span></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><b><span>Blake Griffin</span></b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">PF</th>
<td width="240"><b><span>Jason Thompson</span></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><b><span>DeAndre Jordan</span></b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">C</th>
<td width="240"><b><span><strike>DeMarcus Cousins</strike></span> <span>Ryan Hollins</span></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><b>Advanced Stats </b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><b>96.52 (12th of 30)</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">Pace</th>
<td width="240"><b>96.81 (10th of 30)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><b>110.2 (2nd of 30)</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">ORtg</th>
<td width="240"><b>103.3 (16th of 30)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><b>103.8 (17th of 30)</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">DRtg</th>
<td width="240"><b>105.4 (23rd of 30)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><b>Injuries/Other</b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;" align="right" width="240"><br></td>
<th align="center" width="20"><br></th>
<td width="240"><b><span>Rudy Gay</span> (knee) Doubtful</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.clipsnation.com/2015/1/17/7655105/clippers-kings-open-threadSteve Perrin2015-01-17T06:54:22-08:002015-01-17T06:54:22-08:00Clippers-Kings Preview: Back-to-back in Sac
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eqpNlThVVKiHNuODBBj0p2qQ9Iw=/0x26:3565x2403/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45298262/usa-today-8181681.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>With both teams coming off Friday night losses to Eastern Conference teams, the Clippers and Kings look to turn it around against each other.</p> <table align="center" cellpadding="5" border="1" cellspacing="5" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver">2014/2015 NBA Regular Season</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240"><center><img alt="Bvv028jd1hhr8ee8ii7a0fg4i_medium" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/472353/bvv028jd1hhr8ee8ii7a0fg4i_medium.gif"></center></td>
<th align="center" width="20">vs</th>
<td width="240"><center> <a href="http://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/assets/297819/832.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="832_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/297819/832_medium.gif"></a> <br id="1397280986255"> </center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="240"><center><b>26-14</b></center></td>
<th align="center" width="20"><br></th>
<td width="240"><center><b>16-23</b></center></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><b>January 17, 2015, 7:00 PM</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>STAPLES Center</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="center" colspan="3"><b>Prime Ticket, KFWB 980 AM, KWKW 1330 AM</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver">Win-Loss Breakdown</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: right;"><b>11-8</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">East</th>
<td width="240" style="text-align: left;"><b>4-8</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: right;"><b>15-6</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">West</th>
<td width="240" style="text-align: left;"><b>12-15</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: right;"><b>17-7</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">Home</th>
<td width="240" style="text-align: left;"><b>10-13</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: right;"><b>9-7</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">Road</th>
<td width="240" style="text-align: left;"><b>6-10</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: right;"><b>8-11</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">.500+</th>
<td width="240" style="text-align: left;"><b>6-12</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: right;"><b>18-3</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">.500-</th>
<td width="240" style="text-align: left;"><b>10-11</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240" style="text-align: right;"><b>6-4</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">L10</th>
<td width="240" style="text-align: left;"><b>4-6</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><b>Probable Starters</b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><b><span>Chris Paul</span></b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">PG</th>
<td width="240"><b><span>Darren Collison</span></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><b><span>J.J. Redick</span></b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">SG</th>
<td width="240"><b><span>Ben McLemore</span></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><b><span>Matt Barnes</span></b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">SF</th>
<td width="240"><b><span>Derrick Williams</span></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><b><span>Blake Griffin</span></b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">PF</th>
<td width="240"><b><span>Jason Thompson</span></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><b><span>DeAndre Jordan</span></b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">C</th>
<td width="240"><b><span>DeMarcus Cousins</span></b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><b>Advanced Stats </b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><b>96.52 (12th of 30)</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">Pace</th>
<td width="240"><b>96.81 (10th of 30)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><b>110.2 (2nd of 30)</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">ORtg</th>
<td width="240"><b>103.3 (16th of 30)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" width="240"><b>103.8 (17th of 30)</b></td>
<th align="center" width="20">DRtg</th>
<td width="240"><b>105.4 (23rd of 30)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th align="center" colspan="3" bgcolor="silver"><b>Injuries/Other</b></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: right;" align="right" width="240"><br></td>
<th align="center" width="20"><br></th>
<td width="240"><b><span>Rudy Gay</span> (knee) Doubtful</b></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p><b>The Back Story: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Kings</a> lead season series 1-0</b></p>
<p> </p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Date</td>
<td>Venue</td>
<td>Score</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11/2/2014</td>
<td>Sleep Train</td>
<td>Kings 98 - <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Clippers</a> 92</td>
<td><a href="http://www.clipsnation.com/2014/11/2/7147713/clippers-go-cold-lose-to-kings-98-92" target="_blank">Recap</a></td>
<td><a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400578331" target="_blank">Box</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p><b>The Big Picture: </b>Despite a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clipsnation.com/2015/1/15/7554537/clippers-trade-bullock-and-douglas-roberts-for-austin-rivers">headline-making</a> shake up in personnel, the lack of solid production from the bench once again doomed the Clippers as they fell to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Heat</a> 126-121. In what seems to be a theme this year, the exploits of the starters (Blake Griffin had 34 points, 10 rebounds and Chris Paul had 15 points, 14 assists) were not enough to overcome the ineptitude of the reserves. On one end of the spectrum, Griffin and Paul each had a plus/minus rating of +11. On the other end, <span>Jamal Crawford</span> and the newly-acquired <span>Austin Rivers</span> had ratings of -19 and -18, respectively. A lack of faith in the bench makes games like tonight's back-to-back a bit concerning, especially against teams that seem to be extra motivated when facing this Los Angeles squad.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3706325/bloglinks.css">
</p>
<div class="blog-links-compact-container">
<h4>
<span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span> The view from the Capital <span class="blog-links-star"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3608771/star.png"></span>
</h4>
<div class="blog-links-compact-link-container"><a href="http://www.sactownroyalty.com?utm_source=sbnation&utm_medium=bloglinks&utm_campaign=blogs">Sacramento Kings blog Sactown Royalty</a></div>
</div>
<p><b>The Antagonist: </b>The Kings, too, find themselves licking their wounds after falling to an Eastern Conference foe. Unlike the Clippers, the Sacramento Starters all found themselves with negative plus/minus ratings. The Kings bench, on the other hand, all netted positive plus/minus. Needless to say, facing a team with anything resembling a competent bench seems daunting at this point. Since firing coach Mike Malone, the Kings have gone 5-10 after starting the season 11-13. One could say the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/2014/12/17/7410017/kings-owner-vivek-ranadive-coach-jazz-director-2014">jazz</a> isn't jiving.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>T</b><b>he Subplots</b></p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Comparison of key metrics. </b>The Clippers are near the top of the NBA in offensive rating with 110.2 while the Kings find themselves in the middle of the pack with a 103.3 rating. The pace and defensive ratings of the two teams are basically a wash, so the offensive rating should be what proves the difference in the game.</li>
<li> <b>Double the SEGABABA double the fun. </b>Both teams played last night so there is no using the "tired" excuse tonight. If you really wanted to build one in anyway, the Kings did play at home so they didn't have to travel. It will be interesting to see the attrition if the game is close late.</li>
<li> <b>Boogie Beasting. </b>Demarcus Cousins seems to be putting it all together. This season he is averaging career highs in minutes (33.4), points (24.0), assists (3.3), blocks (1.6) and free throw percentage (.813). It could be argued he is the best center in the game. He usually shows up big against the Clippers. If DeAndre Jordan can hold him to 30 points and 15 rebounds, I will consider it a win. I'm also hoping we can get through the game without him injuring JJ.</li>
<li> <b>The trade that wasn't. </b> Among the rumors that floated around during the last few days was that of a <a target="_blank" href="http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/236253/Clippers-Kings-Discuss-Jordan-Farmar-For-Ramon-Sessions-Trade">Jordan Farmar for Ramon Sessions</a> trade. Of course, this trade fell through, speculatively because of the acquisition of Austin Rivers. As a result, Farmar was waived by the team on Friday. While I know it would've been nice to get something back for a player we used the bi-annual exception on, there is something karmically pleasing about just cutting him outright. I never liked that guy. </li>
<li> <b>Pacific Standings. </b>The Clippers currently hold the best record within the division at 5-2. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Warriors</a> and Phoenix are tied at 5-3. Sacramento is 3-8 against the division but two of those wins were against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Suns</a> and the Clippers. The Lakers just don't matter.</li>
<li> <b>Break from the East. </b>The Eastern conference is demonstrably weaker than the West, someone should let the Clippers in on this fact. While they hold a winning record over both conferences, The Clippers have inexplicably struggled more with the East (11-8) than the West (15-6). </li>
<li> <b>Zero. </b>Austin "Call me SubZero" Rivers scored zero last night on 0-4 shooting. Not exactly the best first impression, but I don't think anyone expected him to have a breakout game his first time in a Clipper uniform. Rivers has played the Kings twice this season while a member of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebirdwrites.com/">Pelicans</a>. He scored a combined 10 points in a total of 46 minutes played, so this might not be the best game for a breakout either. </li>
<li> <b>A little reinforcement? </b>After being waived by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.celticsblog.com/">Celtics</a>, <span>Nate Robinson</span> was seen wearing an LA Kings beanie. Could this mean he is on his way to the Clippers? <span>The Clippers are interested in signing Nate Robinson. Here he is wearing an </span><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; background-color: #eeeeee;" href="https://twitter.com/LAKings">@LAKings</a><span> beanie after he was waived. </span><a style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; background-color: #eeeeee;" href="http://t.co/5OJZaWgYhu">pic.twitter.com/5OJZaWgYhu</a>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArashMarkazi/status/556170127557668864">January 16, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</li>
<li> <b>Connections.</b> Darren Collison played for the Clippers last season, his summer Collison went to Sacramento after being offered the MLE. <span>Ryan Hollins</span> signed with the Kings this off season to back up DeMarcus Cousins. <span>Matt Barnes</span> played high school basketball and football at Del Campo High in Sacramento. Reggie Evans played for the Clippers previously and was a major component in their miraculous comeback win against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Grizzlies</a>. <span>Spencer Hawes</span> started his career with the Kings before he was traded to Philadelphia. </li>
<li><b>Get the Kings perspective at <a href="http://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Sactown Royalty</a>.</b></li>
<li> <b>Wikipedia definition: King (Burger)</b><br>Burger King, often abbreviated as BK, is a global chain of hamburger fast food restaurants headquartered in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States. The company began in 1953 as Insta-Burger King, a Jacksonville, Florida-based restaurant chain. After Insta-Burger King ran into financial difficulties in 1954, its two Miami-based franchisees, David Edgerton and James McLamore, purchased the company and renamed it Burger King. Over the next half century, the company would change hands four times, with its third set of owners, a partnership of TPG Capital, Bain Capital, and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners, taking it public in 2002. In late 2010, 3G Capital of Brazil acquired a majority stake in BK in a deal valued at US$3.26 billion. The new owners promptly initiated a restructuring of the company to reverse its fortunes. 3G, along with partner Berkshire Hathaway, eventually merged the company with Canadian-based donut chain Tim Hortons.</li>
</ul>
https://www.clipsnation.com/2015/1/17/7559221/clippers-kings-previewJohnny Stark