In previous seasons, if I was to suggest that the Clippers and Lakers actually had a rivalry, you'd probably laugh. I would too. I would lose what little credibility I have. But nevertheless, the Los Angeles teams duked it out this afternoon, and the Clippers won 99-92, ending the Lakers seven game win streak. For those of you keeping track, today was a home game for the Clippers, just in case you were wondering.
The thing I loved about this game was that although they share the same arena, The Staples Center, the Clippers bought into the home atmosphere. One of my favorite players to watch, Blake Griffin, is just a man amongst boys. He has brought a swagg to the Clippers that hasn't exsisted since the inception of the franchise. Being a Redskins' fan, I feel a lot of misfortune about my team, however my ill-feelings PALE in comparison to Clipper fans....(if there are any). The team has been SO BAD for SO LONG. Just when things looked promising several years back with the addition of Baron Davis, Elton Brand turned his back on Baron and bolted for Philly. Since then it's just been a despressing event to watch a Clippers game. That is, until Blake Griffin started playing this season. Night in and night out, Griffin acts like he's playing for the Lakers in LA, not the Clippers.
He is an absolute winner. Not to mention, could possible be their cornerstone for the next 10 years....(doubtful though, especially with howhe plays, I doubt he'll be able to have 10 productive years unless he develops a jumpshot to cut down on his high-flying dunks, oh and why would he want to stay with the Clippers when his contract is up?). So disregard that last statement altogether. However, Clippers fans can enjoy him while they have his services. One of the most amazing things in my eyes is how he has rejuvenated Baron Davis, who I've always felt like is a lazy, half-asser....(I created a verb, I think). Baron Davis is still not putting forth full effort like he did in the Don Nelson/Golden State days of his career, but it is a start.
Griffin's stat line for the game included: 18 pts and 15 rebs. Lamar Odom got into it at the end of the contest when Griffin agressively went for a rebound. Blake, Lamar, and I believe Ron Artest were ejected for the final 10 seconds of the contest. Video highlights for the play, and the game can be seen here.
The Clippers also have another emerging star besides Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon dropped 30 points today. In a previous match-up against the Lakers Gordon scored 24 points earlier this season. Gordon and Griffin provide an amazingly young core nucleus of talent for LA. The two are natural scorers, and natural leaders. They are ultimate compliments to eachothers skill-sets. Gordon also had 6 assts in the victory. One major concern I have with the combo is the amount of playing time both are recieving. Griffin played 38 minutes, while Gordon played 43.
The Clippers are out of the playoffs by 7 games currently. Although I doubt they will capture a postseason birth, I would not be suprised if they made the playoffs. Currently standing in their way are: the Trail Blazers, Grizzlies, Suns, Rockets, and Warriors. I was feelin good about their chances of playing catch-up, but then I read who started todays game and I don't feel so confident anymore. Their starters included: Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Blake Griffin, Ryan Gomes, and Deandre Jordan. Then my stomach really sunk when I read that their most productive bench players are Eric Bledsoe, and Randy Foye. You could make the argument that they have, "a young, up and coming bench," however, my argument is, "an inexperienced bench, thanks in part to the worse owner in sports, who is cheaper than OJ Simpson when it comes to his own memorbillia,".... (OJ's memorbillia, nobody on the earth has Clippers memorbillia).
If you were expecting a picture of Black Grffin jamming the ball in the hole for an explosive AND1, apologies. That's too cliche...this picture on the other hand, warms the cockles of my heart. Such a nice considerate young man...
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