Going into tonight’s home game against a depleted Bucks team, I imagine that most of us felt confident of two things. First, the Clippers would surely win this game, and second, the Clippers would somehow not win this game. Personally, I felt both of these deep in my gut. Clipper basketball, folks: Embrace the Contradiction. (Box Score).
The Bucks started the game without starting center Andrew Bogut, starting forward Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, and backup point guard Beno Udrih. During the first half, backup center Jon Brockman came down with a contusion under his eye and was lost for the night. Later in the 4th, Stephen Jackson went down on his back and for a minute looked like he might need a stretcher. Woe to be a Milwaukee fan, eh? Still, the remaining Bucks played with tenacity all night and managed to have a chance in the game’s final minute. They deserve some credit, but at the same time the Clips deserve some criticism. It was an ugly win that exposed more flaws than strengths. Of course, this is probably right time for the team to discover its kinks and iron them out.
The first half was an awful display of basketball, with the Clips turning the ball over 10 times, and the Bucks putting up an untold number of bricks. The Clips weren’t making many shots either, but at least ours were coming close. At the end of the first quarter, the Bucks were shooting 26% from the field, led by a series of 3-point clankers from Brandon Jennings. Still, they were within 3 points, 18 to 15, due in part to three Chris Paul turnovers and two by Blake Griffin. The Clips’ play was sloppy and uninspired, but the Bucks were also playing scrappy D, rotating well and using their long arms to disrupt the offense. The one bright spot in the quarter was some welcome rebounding by Reggie Evans. In his first minute and a half of play, he grabbed no fewer than four rebs (and 6 overall). Unfortunately, he was also fouled a few times and had to shoot free throws. He was 1 for 6 on the night. Can you say Hack-a-Reggie?
The second quarter did not show much improvement. Shaun Livingston came in and made a couple of nice passes for layups. Blake showed some nice footwork and powered in a few short hooks. However, neither team could make a three pointer. Milwaukee ended 1-8 for the half, which means that seven of their shots were messier than spilled marbles. The Clips meanwhile managed to do worse, going 0-9. Chauncey Billups was the main culprit here, but Brian Cook and Ryan Gomes also saw fit to contribute. Billups was at least playing aggressively, compared to Paul who had a quiet first half. In the second quarter, Billups was basically a shoot-first point guard.
The third quarter was easily the Clips’ best. The starters came out with much better energy and built the lead up to 13 points with 5 minutes left. In the first few minutes of the quarter, DJ got a block, Butler and Billups each made a 3, and Paul created a couple turnovers. One Chris Paul steal led to the highlight of the night, a perfect lob that Blake slammed home on the fly. The Clips started the quarter 9 for 10 from the field, and Butler got hot for 14 points in the quarter. However, by the 4-minute mark the momentum started to turn. Our starters looked winded, and the offense grew stagnant. At 63-54 it was surely the right moment for a time out, but Vinnie let it ride until the lead was cut to 63-59. Fortunately, Randy Foye and Mo Williams played well to close out the quarter, stretching the lead back to 10 before Stephen Jackson made a 3 at the buzzer. The Bucks would not get closer than 4 points the rest of the way.
The fourth quarter featured a three-guard lineup for the Clips and Brandon Jennings for the Bucks. DJ also made an appearance, making a couple key blocks and winning a couple jump balls. I thought that VDN did well to bring the starters back around the 9-minute mark, but I am not sure what I think of Mo playing with Billups and Paul. With Caron hot in the 3rd, I would have stuck with what was working. Still, it was interesting to get a peek at this squad. The 3-guard defense led to an exciting open court scrabble at one point, with Mo knocking the ball away from Livingston and DJ creating a jump ball. Caron eventually came back around the 5-minute mark. However, thanks to some ball-hogging heroics from Jennings, neither Clipper squad was able to put the game away. I am not a big fan a Jennings, but he did end up with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. He made some big shots, but he also got a key technical foul, followed shortly by a Chris Paul jumper. Moreover, Jennings did not leave his mark at the end of the game, when a turnover and missed free throw by Paul gave the Bucks a thin shot at pulling it out. Instead, with 30 seconds left the ball went to Gooden, who passed inside to Jackson instead of taking the 3-pointer. The Clips had good defense on the play, but was an odd ending to an ugly game.
Overall, Blake Griffin put in a very solid performance, chalking up 22 points and 14 rebounds. There was one scary moment when he appeared to twist his ankle, but he walked it off and kept playing hard. Impressively, he logged two blocks for the night. Chris Paul, on the other hand, was largely missing. I thought Jennings’ defense gave him some trouble, and towards the end of the 3rd quarter Paul picked up his 4th foul. But none of that explains him passing up open jumpers. Paul is a master at knocking the ball loose and creating steals, but he needs to take more than 6 shots in 37 minutes. He had opportunities, too, but he seemed intent on passing first. It may well be that he is still getting used to his new team. I hope that the coaches continue to urge him to be more aggressive on offense.
0 recs | 249 comments
I couldnt watch it.
i would definitely like to watch it
Takebb909 - January 8, 2012
I recorded it
and it wasn’t fun to watch exceot for some of the second half
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Imagine...
going there on a date with somebody who hasn’t been to a game before..
JackduhSun - January 8, 2012
do i have to explain stuff to her?
that could get annoying
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Nah they just know..
if crowd cheers-good. If crowd moans-bad. But seriously, this game was bad. I was happy for the win but it was quite disappointing to watch.
JackduhSun - January 8, 2012
yeah
as I said, I recorded it… and watching it at 1:30 AM while I was already tired… ugh
I’m just happy that we can win these crappy games now.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
HEY HEY Be nice to newbie!!
It was my first time coming to Staples Center and it was my first game of NBA season last night watching with my bf. I came to Clippers’ practice in USC before and he explained to me everything I asked. Guys should be happy if a girl try to like what u like!! >.<
clips_ftw - January 8, 2012
Absolutely
In fact, about 3000 male readers of Clips Nation now want to meet you.
Steve Perrin - January 8, 2012
Steve, she said she had a boyfriend
We’re not monsters, ya know. Those are the Warrior fans.
peterghost - January 8, 2012
There is a Laker bandwagon joke in there somewhere
bestclipfan - January 8, 2012
Not sure what Warrior fans like
But I’m sure Laker fans are annoying!! >.< (in my opinions)
clips_ftw - January 8, 2012
Thanks Steve! =]
clips_ftw - January 8, 2012
Overall, still a good game. Despite the pace
What I like:
Blake had 2 blocks, DJ had 3.
Deandre has had some trouble getting blocks recently, and Griffins rarely finds blocks, especially this season.
19 stocks(steals/blocks from simmons)
We aren’t a good overally defensive team, but we have a big play defense. Blocks and steals that lead to breaks
Less minutes for reserves
With the addition of Evans some of our lesser players weren’t pressed into action. Gomes, Cook, and Foye played 7,8, and 11, respectively.
Defense
With the exception of Jennings, no Buck had a good game. The two other high scorers, Jax and Gooden, had 18 each on a combined 9-32.
Evans
Well, he checked into the game and grabbed every ball on the court. What can you say, he is exactly as advertised.
What I don’t like
Cook
1-5 shooting, 0-3 from behind the arc.
Three point shooting
Partially, it was a slow night, but 4-19 threes is just bad. Billups and Butler were each 2-6.
Free throw shooting
Well, DJ is no longer the worst FT shooter on the team. While he only managed 3-6 tonight, Evans was a horrendous 1-6.
Billups
Chauncey shot 14 times, only making 5. Paul only had 6 attempts. That is not how it should be.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Inevitably C.Billups will take (way) more shots than C.Paul
C.Billups is a shoot-first style while C.Paul is fine with being pass-first.
UC.Clipper - January 8, 2012
true
but when Billups is 5-14 and paul is 3-6… I would rather see around even attempts. I would also like to see more touches for Paul. Alot of the time, Billups/Williams brings the ball up and Paul doesn’t touch the ball until halfway through the shot clock. There was one play where Paul caught the ball with 13 seconds on the shot clock, and Griffin didn’t set the screen until 9 seconds left. If Paul dribbles it down, that can happen with20 seconds left.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Billups however
creates many FT opportunities, at which he has a tremendous %. So if his offensive agressiveness gets him to the line then it’s a great strategy.
Thretch - January 8, 2012
The disparity had less to do with Chauncey
and more to do with CP3’s reluctance to shoot. Not sure what was going on, but Paul passed up a ton of open looks, some of them WIDE open.
boltsfan21 - January 8, 2012
sexy blocks vs defense
i like the blocks, but i feel like DJ tries too hard to get them. his mentality right now is all about blocks and when that happens someone is left open. with our defensive rotation that is never good.
did you notice when evans came in our defense was actually better? he rotated and directed where players should go, grabbed all the rebounds. he has no offensive skills to speak of, but is perfect for a back up 5.i hope DJ is smart enough to watch him and learn from him how to rebound and play D instead of sulking because of less mins. evans will be getting more mins.
zac4president - January 8, 2012
DJ Does try hard
And that’s what made him my favorite. He needs more practice on free throw. He’s great at blocking!! xD But he kept making fouls last night! >.<
clips_ftw - January 8, 2012
Griffin
Has scored 20 or more points in every game this season, making him the first Clipper to do so in the first 6 games on a season since World B. Free. So yeah, he’s good.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Another fun fact
The Clippers, as of the end of play tonight, are the ONLY team in the league to have played only 6 games. 6 teams have played in 7 games, 13 have played in 8, and 10 have played in 9. No team has played in 10 games as of now. Sunday, the Thunder and Lakers will be the first two teams to break into double-digit GP.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Tonight, Eric Maynor left the game for the Thunder with a knee injury.
If he is out, then Bledsoe becomes a valuable trade piece. What would we want from them? Collison/Nazr Mohammed, but IMO they aren’t worth Bledsoe. Maybe the Thunder could use a Foye rental off the bench for one of those bigs? Foye comes off of the books at the end of this year, so he wouldn’t get in the way of Maynor’s developement like Bledsoe would long-term.
Hooray for the triple-post
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Sefolosha/Mohammed for Mo/Cook + filler
would be interesting. Gives us our defensive wing, backup 5 and OKC gets Mo as super six man, moves Harden in the starting lineup and gives them insurance in the event of another Westbrook meltdown.
ganima - January 8, 2012
I don't want to give up Mo.
I like Bledsoe, but in all honesty, I don’t think we need him. I think he will be a pretty solid point guard in a couple of years as long as he learns how to control the tempo of the game and slow down his pace. However, this is a win now team and we don’t need anymore PG’s, but we do need to fill out a couple holes. It is obvious that we need a strong backup center. I would be happy with either Mohammad OR Collison, because they are both decent centers. I think I like Collison because he is a better free throw shooter, and that is pretty important. I agree that we could use Sefolosha, but there is no need to give up Williams, because we will not get any better by trading him. Not to mention Mo’s position doesn’t get any better; in fact, it becomes worse. Westbrook and Williams will both expect huge minutes, and Williams will lose that battle. So I think our best move would be a Bledsoe for a backup center, it just so happens, we have what OKC needs and they have what we need.
SurfinQ00 - January 8, 2012
I'd love to get Collison
but I don’t think you get him for Bledsoe. Maynor is valued by the Thunder as the anti-Westbrook. Bled is like Westbrook’s precocious younger brother, so not sure he is that attractive to them.
I’m thinking long-term where we will need to manage the cap efficiently and ideally supplement our core with key pieces that excel in one or more area. Sefolosha is an outstanding wing defender, he’s young and his signed on for three more years at a very reasonable rate.
ganima - January 8, 2012
Judging by OKC fans-
They would be more than willing to do a Bledsoe/Foye for Collison/Sefalosha. I know that fans are not the management for a reason, but still I think this trade would work. Apparently Sefalosha is hated as a starter, and everybody wants to see Harden take his place. Next, Collison for Bledsoe could work because just as we have an abundance of PGs, they have an abundance of bigs with Ibaka, Perkins, Colison, and Nazr. All in all, I don’t think we would be able to get Bledsoe/Foye for Collison/Sefalosha, but it is nice to think we could :) haha
SurfinQ00 - January 8, 2012
+1
Another reason I don’t think Bledsoe is that attractive to them: They’re the ones that traded him to us in the first place.
boltsfan21 - January 8, 2012
True.
But I think he would fit in with them. A young, athletic PG on a young team. Also, there aren’t that many options they have in terms of finding a decent PG. I don’t think that that many teams will be offering someone with Bledsoe’s talent for a decent backup big.
SurfinQ00 - January 8, 2012
Believe me, I hope they'd be dumb enough to do it
I just don’t think they are.
boltsfan21 - January 8, 2012
presti is very clever
He’s definitely one of the top gms in the league. The only mistake I can think of them making was reneging on the Tyson chandler trade. Otherwise he’s won every trade he’s been part of.
ClipperChuck - January 8, 2012 via mobile
Ridnour, Sessions, Hinrich
All options and probably available. Like I said, they don’t need Westbrook 2.0 but a solid PG who is a steadying influence, defend and hit the open shot. That was Maynard.
ganima - January 8, 2012 via iPhone app
Most non-Clipper-biased NBA observers...
would read this the other way around.
To any team hoping to go deep in the playoffs, a solid, experienced big to bring off the bench is worth way, way, way more than a second-year undersized combo guard masquerading as a point who’s a turnover waiting to happen. That said, I also don’t see how Foye fills their need for a backup point guard, since he’s not at all a point anymore and is pretty much exclusively a ball-stopping chucker.
boltsfan21 - January 8, 2012
I don't think Collison is worth a good prospect.
a better backup big guy? Sure. But nor a 30-something average backup pf.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Collison
Is a way better than average backup big. He’s a better all-around player than Reggie Evans for sure. I’d trade Bledsoe for a legit first big guy off the bench in a nanosecond.
boltsfan21 - January 8, 2012 via iPhone app
this
And collison signed a sweet deal because Presti is so clever.
ClipperChuck - January 8, 2012 via mobile
after a little research
I’ll admit to being wrong above. Collison is an above average backup PF/C.
But at over 3mil a year for 4 years…. He will be 35 when that deal ends. Not sure if I am crazy about that.
Still, I’m really high on Bledsoe. I think that there needs to be some sweetener aside from Collison for me to do this for sure. As it is, a Bledsoe for Collison straight up would be something that I would need to consider going forwards.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Don't think you'l need to consider it
Because I don’t think Presti is dumb enough to do it.
boltsfan21 - January 8, 2012
true
presti is too savvy a GM to make a rash trade following an injury. He has alot of patience.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
collison has a great contract
Presti was smart, he paid collison bigmoney in the first year of the deal (knowing they weren’t going to use the cap space) and they now have his very very tradeable contract for future deals.
ClipperChuck - January 8, 2012 via mobile
Is it decreasing?
ESPN only showed that it is around 3.5 this year. I assumed that it would either stay there for the next 4 years, or increase slightly. Now that you say that, I do remember talk about the unorthodox distribution of the money in his contract when it was signed.
Does anyone know the exact numbers?
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
from Marc Stein
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
I was really sad to see that happen
I liked maynor, and thought he was a key acquisition. Funny if OKC had to trade back for Bled who they let go of in the draft. I think they were up against 14 or 15 guaranteed contracts w/ like 3 first rounders that year, so it’s not surprising they traded him. I would love mohammed and Sefolosha, but I don’t see OKC going for that. Maybe just one of the two, but those are two key roation players, and they’d at least need a body back to replace whoever they let go of.
osamu - January 8, 2012
Cook
HAHA. Can we just send him to them for free?
SurfinQ00 - January 8, 2012
free cookies!
all NBA gms get free cookies today
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Right - they had to trade the pick - it's not like they didn't like the guy
Jax - January 8, 2012
AFA Watch against the Mavericks
in his first Hornets start, Aminu had 15 pts/12reb/2ast/4stl on only 4-8 shots… not too shabby for him.
QUADRUPLE POST
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
go aminu
Dawool Huh - January 8, 2012
Hey LJ
Have you also watched his other games? Their fans have called him a turnover maching on rollerskates. Hopefully he can blossom but I also remember that 3 pt sharpshooter the beginning of his rookie season.
PV Mike - January 8, 2012
Personally
I always thought it was a fluke. Didn’t think Aminu was that good at shooting, was just on a nice streak.
JackduhSun - January 8, 2012
no
I have just been skimming box scores
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
NBA DLeague showcase is next week
Any big guys on the Clippers watch list? I wouldn’t have minded Ivan Johnson, the call-up on the Hawks who was huge in that 3OT against the heat. Hopefully Olshey can find a legit 6’11 or 7 footer that can contribute. That way we can stop playing Cook (even with Evans back, Cookie played 8 minutes and shot a miserable 1-5 tonight).
Does anybody know of some good DLeague bigs who we could go after?
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Playing B.Cook is a coaching decision
There’s alternatives, just not used.
UC.Clipper - January 8, 2012
vdn obviously doesn't trust trey
and Solomon is not a good fit with Reggie. No offense. I think that once Reggie gets in the flow more, trey would fit well accenting him. One has no D, other has no O.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Barbed wire and glue....
Clips don’t win that game on the road.
Nobody mentions Scott Skiles, but his nasty, sticky defense keeps that team in games even with only a couple of good players.
Brandon Jennings and Stephen Jackson and their volume shooting are horrible to watch, but they’re defense keeps them going. And I’m not sure there’s another guard (well, Derrick Rose) who bothers Paul like that. Completely took him out of his game.
I hate that three guard line up. I know it’s the anti-Gomes offense but it seems to take the ball out of CP’s hands and puts it into the hands of guys who are his inferior.
John Raffo - January 8, 2012
Yes and no
Clippers of old don’t win that game anywhere. These Clippers may win it anywhere. Like most of the top teams, it seems like they have enough talent to beat bad teams even when they’re having an off night. As close as it was throughout, I somehow was never nervous. The fact that they can play that atrociously and still win is, to me, surprisingly reassuring.
And totally agree about the Bucks’ D. They get after it.
boltsfan21 - January 8, 2012
Jennings and Livingston
Those two were covering Paul for most of the night. It has to be hard going up against someone 7 inches taller than you. Seeing Paul so occupied, I imagine that Vinnie gave Billups the nod to take things over. It may have also inspired that 3 guard squad. I don’t know if I hate it, but I wasn’t that impressed, either. I don’t imagine we’ll use it against less sticky teams.
BTW, I enjoyed watching Shaun tonight. On several plays, he looked smooth and very legit. I will never stop cheering for that guy.
SilverClip - January 8, 2012
Nice writeup, Silver
I was planning to post about VDN completely blowing the chance to stem the momentum shift by not calling the obvious timeout, but you beat me to it. He does it all the time, and I really don’t get it. What does he think his timeouts are for, diagramming his Intricate plays? (“OK, Chris, you dribble up top, and you, Blake, come up here and set a pick…”)
+1 on Shaun. Can’t imagine any Clippers fan not always pulling for him.
boltsfan21 - January 8, 2012
Ha
Clippers fan were booing Gooden and Livingston at the freethrow line. I know we do that just because their shooting free throws, but man I could never boo Livy.
JackduhSun - January 8, 2012
Sadly
I have feeling most of the clipper fans there don’t even know who Livingston is nor his tragic history.
bestclipfan - January 8, 2012
Staples last night...
CP tweeted something about a fight in the stands? Or I’m confused.
And what’s up with the fans doing the wave?
Ugh.
John Raffo - January 8, 2012
Just when we start getting credibility
the fans do the wave like it’s the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
PV Mike - January 8, 2012
Clipper Darrell makes the fans do the wave at all games pretty much, and he usually does it at the most inopportune moment.
He’s fun if it’s your first Clipper game, but not so much for season ticket holders, especially those close to him.
chrisd - January 8, 2012
There was a fight in the high 100s/ low 200s maybe one section over from Clipper Darrell . Everyone in the crowd stood up and the Staples security were seemingly running from every direction. It was a bit surreal.
Another son of Mike Smith - January 8, 2012
dunno
Pretty sure there are guys so anti mdsr they consider poor Livvy a bust.
ClipperChuck - January 8, 2012 via mobile
C'mon really?
You have to use this little thread of Shuan love to try to pick yet another stupid fight?
boltsfan21 - January 8, 2012
how so
I loved what Livvy was projecting to turn into and never considered him a bust. Injuries are unfortunate and poor Shaun never got to reach his full potential as a result. Great to see him back as a solid rotation player.
ClipperChuck - January 8, 2012 via mobile
That is pretty low CC
bestclipfan - January 8, 2012
guys
I think that CC is saying that other people think that, not that he does
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Duh
I understand perfectly what he was saying. Obviously you don’t. He was trying to bait a certain Mdsr basher, and though I’m no friend of Chuck’s enemy, I thought this was a particularly inappropriate place to pick that fight, so I called him on it.
Once again, thanks for lecturing me instead of the real instigator, li’l Deputy.
boltsfan21 - January 8, 2012 via iPhone app
lecturing?
considering I didn’t even respond back to your comment. bestclipfan said that it was “low”. There are, believe it or not, people who overlook Livingston’s injury and call him a bust. I disagree with those people, as do you, as does ClipperChuck, and I’m sure Jax disagrees with that as well.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
yes you responded to his comment
Too bad you didn’t understand it.
boltsfan21 - January 8, 2012 via iPhone app
Oh I understand it
he said that some people are so anti-Dunleavy that they would call Livingston a bust just to accuse MDSr of a bad move.
And bestclipfan said it was “low”, and I clarified that CC was talking about “others” and not saying that he thought that.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Thus clearly proving you still don't understand what was going on
Neither bestclipfan nor I thought CC was of that opinion, so you didn’t “clarify” anything, because no clarification was needed. CC was implying that a certain specific “other” would say that, because he was trying to bait that certain specific other into yet another fight. What was “low” wasn’t the idea that someone would have that opinion, it was taking advantage of a bunch of people’s warm wishes toward Shaun to take a shot at his archenemy.
boltsfan21 - January 8, 2012
you can't determine what bestclipfan meant
from “that is pretty low CC”.
It’s the internet. We read it differently.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Well you said "guys"
So clearly you were talking to both of us. And if you read my initial response to Chuck, it’s pretty clear that I didn’t misunderstand him, and thus didn’t need you to “clarify.”
But by all means, keep playing cop with me while giving CC a pass for what was clearly an attempt to antagonize your buddy. I was sure you’d agree with me on this, but instead I see you’d rather fight with me than get behind me when I was trying to stop exactly the kind of squabbling you’ve been whining about.
boltsfan21 - January 8, 2012
I know I don't have any place in this argument.
But from past experience, Boltsfan, you are the last person who would try to “stop squabbling.” Like I said before, I don’t appreciate or agree with your attempts to mock others or pick arguments with them.
SurfinQ00 - January 8, 2012
And yet that's just what I was doing
How ’bout reading what was actually said instead of coming in with preconceived notions.
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
You are ridiculous
First, Surfin calling you out for trying to mock or pick aggressive arguments on this board. Do you deny that you do that? Pretty difficult to deny since there are only about 50,000 examples of it.
Second. Surfin isn’t stupid. He doesn’t have “preconceived notions.” He simply sees you for what you are.
Why not just admit you’ve been acting like an aggressive bully on this board and promise us you will stop?
Be a man.
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
Stop bulling peole on this board
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
Troll stop bullying people - let's review
1. You call me out and mock anyone who disagrees with you
2. You bully other members
3. I respond
4. You tell me to go away.
Um, no. I think I prefer to call you on your nonsense. You don’t have a free pass here to bully.
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
Are you 5 years old or something?
bestclipfan - January 9, 2012
If you kids don't quiet down right now, I will turn this car around right this minute or SO HELP ME.
Erik O - January 9, 2012
All he has to do is stop replying to me
It’s really that simple. I vowed to leave him alone long ago, and I’ve kept to my word the whole time. But if he insists on starting this nonsense, he’s gonna get this response and only this response every time. If you’re tired of seeing it, by all means encourage him to ignore me as I ignore him.
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
LOL
Anyone who reads through this thread can tell that this guy (to use bolts’ vernacular) argues with everyone and when good citizens like LJ and bestclip call him out he either attacks them too or ignores their reasonable requests that he explain himself.
He also responds to my comments and then claims I responded to him – yah ok big man.
Then he comes up with the juvenile cowardly deflection response. Really, I’m not impressed.
All I’ve ever said is that he needs to stop attacking Clipsnation citizens on our board. If he continues he will continue to hear it from me and from other good citizens like LJ.
Jax - January 9, 2012
go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
As bestclipfan said, how old are you anyway?
9? 10?
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
Just because
LJ sees you for who you are doesn’t make him my buddy. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure you out.
Having said that, it is truly amazing how much time you waste on this board arguing with anyone you can.
Why so bitter?
Jax - January 8, 2012
Sorry for being a noob
But this wasn’t directed at me, right?
SurfinQ00 - January 8, 2012
course not
Jax - January 8, 2012
Go away
A) I was on your side here, smart guy
B) I wasn’t talking to you, and stopped doing so long ago
C) LJ admits below that HE was the one who was wrong
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
Hmm- no, I don't think so
(A) while I appreciate the fact that you asked Chuck not to start a fight, that doesn’t mean that you’re on my side and even if it did I’m sick of all the arguing over nonsense
(B) while you may not have been talking too me, you’re talking on a public blog about me so I would imagine that most would not be surprised if I responded
© besides my point
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
So you call me out and I respond - and I'm "crazy"
With that logic, no wonder no one has any issues with you.
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
Stop bullying Clipsnation members on this board
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
yah ok Troll
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
I knew he wasn't aiming it at me or Bolts
it is pretty obvious which citizen he was aiming it at and made the statement that his remark was “low” because he was essentially that citizen doesn’t like Dunleavy they think Livingston is a bust with the aim being to pick a fight.
bestclipfan - January 8, 2012
well
I admit to misreading. I was wrong.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Thanks for that
Never an easy thing to admit. Maybe next time you’ll try to read what’s actually there instead of misreading between the lines because of your preconceived notions about people.
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
You should learn from LJ
You aggressively attack many Clipsnation citizens and never apologize or acknowledge the issue when people here complain about it. And you have been wrong in several “discussions” with me but never admit it.
Again, learn from LJ
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
Stop bullying Clipsnation members
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
Stop bullying troll
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
In addition
LJ is a smart guy. He’s seen you in action for months now. He understands what you’re about. No need to patronize him by suggesting that he misreads anything about you.
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
Stop bullying and have the guts to respond substantively
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
Stop bullying, please
Otherwise you’re just a troll using the board to attack others
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
thanks for admitting that you were wrong
but I’m still gonna get one last dig in because I can’t ever let something rest. Real classy, troll.
LJ Hann - January 9, 2012
You must be real proud of yourself
since you started all this
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
actually
we were both trying to stop a conflict. And you took your opportunity to troll on anyone on the board you can find.
LJ Hann - January 9, 2012
huh?
How so? You came out w/ Li’l Deputy guns a-blazing because you assumed I was up to no good, instead of taking a minute to actually digest what was going on. So you attacked me, and then of course your buddy piled on. And then I just responded to him the one and only way I will ever respond to him. Not sure who else you think I “trolled” on. In fact, I did nothing but reply to people attacking me.
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
no, I didn't attack you
I defended CC because I felt like people were misreading his post. I didn’t reply to your comment, or call you out until you came specifically after me.
after betclipfan respectfully(respect, it’s a thing- look it up) corrected me, I admitted that I was wrong. Instead of letting it rest there, you further pursued conflict by accusing me of using preconceived notions that I had against you instead of reading what actually happened.
Go back and read the comments to refresh your obviously selective memory. I didn’t comment back to you, but then you attacked me by commenting back to my post, telling me how I was “lecturing” you and being “lil deputy”. Poor Boltfan, life is so unfair when you make something out of nothing, and the people around you won’t bow down and obey your nonsense.
I respect your opinions as a clipper fan, and we agree a lot basketball-wise. But you have a long way to go socially, because people don’t tend to accept trolls peacefully.
LJ Hann - January 9, 2012
Funny - in his desperation to prove everyone else wrong
This troll says that you and I are “buddies.” what he doesn’t seem to get is that the criticism of his approach comes from different people independently. I’m thinking it must be painful to be part of his world because he’s making it so painful (unnecessarily) for everyone else here.
And it is too bad because there are times when he actually has something relevant to say.
Jax - January 9, 2012
go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
Your memory is pretty selective too
Your post in which you claim you weren’t commenting back to me is titled “guys,” plural. Since the two comments had come from me and bestclip, seemed pretty clear you were talking to both of us.
As for the respect part, well, if you hadn’t let your promotion go to your head, I would’ve been happy to treat you respectfully, as I do with all but about 5 regular commenters here. But instead you saw it as some sort of mandate to start calling people out for what you deemed to be unseemly arguing. And far from achieving your goal of ending the petty bickering, you’ve only managed to make things more toxic, largely by egging on the other person who won’t let things go, who now somehow believes he has the moral high ground.
Again, I haven’t started a single one of the asinine back-and-forths — every one starts with him replying to a post of mine, as it did once again here. I’m happy to live and let live, but if he keeps talking to me, he’s only gonna ever hear the one thing back. I will also happily stop conversing with you, if you do the same. I only have interest in talking Clippers with other intelligent fans. All the rest of this nonsense I can happily do without.
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
I won't let your attacks go
You instigate things all the time. Then you deny what you so clearly do and blame everyone else for your actions.
Now according to you LJ is only calling you out because he was promoted and has a big head.
Ever think it’s you?
Jax - January 9, 2012
And LJ has made things much less toxic
Basically he’s called you on your rude crass behavior. To which you predictably responded by telling him not to respond instead of acknowledging you were wrong. You’re not man enough for that.
Jax - January 9, 2012
Meant as a reply to all parties:
(I almost hit ‘cancel’ because this is about to be the preachiest most obnoxious post I’ve ever made, but f*** it. I’m sick of this.)
This little spat has become as poisonous as anything I’ve seen on this site.
bolts: Calling out LJ on a power-trip? It’s pretty clear to those of us on the outside looking in (at least to me anyway) that he’s got good intentions. Maybe he’s overstepping his bounds and jumping to conclusions, but he was quick to admit his mistake, and again, the intentions are good. He’s just trying to keep the peace, and if that makes him a “Lil Deputy,” then maybe it’s necessary in a argument-filled place like this. I usually try and crack jokes or whatever to ease the tension, but I appreciate LJ trying to defend people who he thinks (whether rightly or wrongly) are getting picked on. As long as he’s willing to admit when he’s wrong, where’s the harm? It could just as easily be you that he’s defending.
Jax: I was looking through this thread and bolts wasn’t lying when he said that he hasn’t been instigating conversations with you. He’s always having a convo with someone else and you make a point, and suddenly the fight ensues. Now, I don’t think you were ever picking any fights, but he did warn you. Maybe bite the bullet here and try to stay away from bolts for a while? I’m really confused at how it got this bad. And on a side note, why is it always Jax vs _? Whether it’s bolts, CC, John R, or Mikhail Gorbachev, there’s always some kind of fighting. That’s a lot of strong personalities, for sure, but maybe it’s just best to reply with a nice little “…” and leave it be?
CC: Why the need to call out Jax? LJ defended you, but when he was wrong, that made bestclipsfan’s comment about calling out Jax as being “low” a valid point. So what if Jax thinks Livi was a bust? Neither his PER nor WP were ever at the league average, so it’s a fair standpoint. Is it worth digging up now?
LJ: I honestly don’t think you did anything wrong here, other than maybe step on a few toes. Since you were willing to admit when you made a mistake in judgment, and since your intent was only to defend and not attack, I can’t imagine how you earned such animosity. For the record, I’ve tried to mediate before, and it’s an exhausting thankless job.
Erik O: Get off your high horse.
As I said, this is some poisonous stuff, and it’s really not fun to be around. I think you all are way too good at pushing each others buttons, and while it may be fun for you on some level, it’s murder for those of us who want to talk about basketball. You’re all capable of a lot of really insightful things about basketball, and whether it favors stats or the eye-test, it all has value to some portion of the Nation. Stick to your strengths (basketball talk) and avoid your weaknesses (this crap).
Erik O - January 10, 2012
Thanks LJ
I think that there should be some basic decorum on this site. Those who post here shouldn’t mock each other. Bolts has a habit of mocking others – a bullying tactic if you will. If he continues to do that, I will continue to ask him to stop. I value this community and all of its members.
Jax - January 10, 2012
stop
just let this thread die
LJ Hann - January 10, 2012
This poisonous environment has created a poisonous photoshop. I apologize, but this was necessary.
Erik O - January 10, 2012
I puked, and I'm not ashamed to admit it
LJ Hann - January 10, 2012
This is what the aptly named Ball-Skinnz was created for.
Erik O - January 10, 2012
that citizen does think livingston is a bust
….
ClipperChuck - January 8, 2012 via mobile
Let him speak for himself
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
And yet there was still no need to antagonize him here
You know I feel the same way about him that you do, but I’ve completely stopped responding to his posts unless he responds to mine, and even then it’s just to tell him to go away. I know it’s easier said than done, but I suggest just ignoring him and sticking to discussing basketball with those capable of rational thought.
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
You guys are both trying to instigate something here
Bolts needlessly lashes out – which IMO is worse than what Chuck does.
And as you can see bolts – many people here other than myself are sick and tired of your antics.
Knock it off.
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
See above - you're only making things worse for yourself
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
Stop bullying board members please
Jax - January 9, 2012
Go away crazy person
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
+1
Buddahfan - January 8, 2012
It was an ugly and sloppy game
but we got the win. Plus, the way Reggie rebounded last night, he might just become a fan favorite.
lovinglosangeles - January 8, 2012
A win's a win...
but ugh, that game was unwatchable. I don’t know how Bucks fans can sit through 66 games of that, let alone 82.
82-0 - January 8, 2012
Rebounding
I know it’s a broken record, but our guards really have to grab more than a board or two. Career averages say they should be in the at least 8-10 range combined, which is interestingly enough our currently rebounding deficit. Meanwhile, Brandon Jennings grabs 6?
ganima - January 8, 2012
I don't care how ugly the game was
We are 4-2!!
Cay.Clipper1 - January 8, 2012
That's what my bf said this morning!
He’s so excited and I was like what’s 4-2?!? :D
clips_ftw - January 8, 2012
... Eh, you'll catch up soon enough
Xfactor26 - January 8, 2012
4 wins-2 losses
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
What would we do without you?
ReignMan - January 8, 2012
hey, she asked, so I was helping out
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
=] Thanks! That's helped a bit!! =]
clips_ftw - January 8, 2012
ESPN Classics did not call for a tape of the game for future shows.
PV Mike - January 8, 2012
Okay
Kind of interesting. Clearly not a great game. Once again, this is a sort of virtual preseason for the Clippers, who are getting plenty of practice time and then have a home game that should be a lock, with the other team depleted. But since it’s not a preseason game, it was obvious that the Bucks would play hard and erratically at the same time—if the Clippers gave them a chance. It was going to go one way or another. When the Clips jumped out 8-1 or whatever it was, at home with Lob City Citizenry ready to back them to the hilt, I was pumped up for a fun run, a blitzkrieg with sharp execution and another big first quarter. But as soon as Milph said “a rare turnover for the Clippers” they made four or five more in quick succession. And the game went “the other way,” a work-in-progress that will be most valuable as for study in film sessions.
The important thing is that the Clips win this game. As in some of their other wins already, Clipper teams of old knew all too well how to lose a game like this. Chris Paul was sharp for less than a minute in the first, but after taking almost no shots and going along for the ride at the end of the game he hit a 15 footer to put the Clips up by 10 and make it virtually impossible for the Bucks to come back. It was a little thing, “little” as in stepping on a guy’s neck just to make sure that he has no fight left in him and is going to lose, while you win.
Obviously the Clippers and CP3 can be much sharper and more effective. Again, this is just a routine win in the Clippers cushy early season start, although it should be said that they have already had some tough games, at San Antonio and against Chicago (losses), and next week’s trio, going up to Portland and coming back for Miami and the Lakers will be quite challenging, to say the least. The Clips will need to play well to win any of those games.
The game felt like film session fodder in part because of some experimentation, with the debut of Reggie Evans and leaving Mo Williams out on the floor when Billups and then CP3 returned. Managing the guard rotation is going to be a delicate business, and by the end of this week we can start getting curious about Eric Bledsoe’s return date. The Clippers have a whole lot of really good guards, it’s just that none of them are very tall. That will matter this week, against DWade and Kobe (sad to say sayonara to BRoy), but we’re starting to see how the Clips will play, as they have a ton of offensive firepower, and the question is their hustle and focus on defense and the boards. Being a little bit sloppy on offense, like last night, and not much energy, is how they will lose games against good teams—but they should be more focused for bigger and more important matchups. On the road in Portland is a very big test.
Offensive firepower first, and two things that weren’t obvious going into the season, although they probably should have been. Milph gave the game ball to Caron Butler, and it’s just really refreshing for the Clippers to have an SF who can make shots. Maggette could score efficiently because of the free throw line, but his game was never all that smooth and you didn’t know if his shot would be on or not, and Bobby Simmons hit shots from the baseline one year, but Butler seems to be at a completely different level of proficiency than what we’ve seen. It even more glaring and refreshing when Gomes comes in to replace him and throws up an airball—that’s what we suffered through last year. Gomes isn’t so bad as a backup and an excuse to leave guys like Butler and Mo Williams and even Randy Foye on the floor. Single digit minutes for Gomes is fine. Butler is fun to watch, hasn’t forced a lot of shots (and things weren’t really flowing well last night either), and having a scorer and an SF that you want to shoot an open 3 is a big big change.
Secondly, this thing with Mo Williams coming off the bench like a kamikaze is really working. The thing we didn’t know, I guess, is that Mo was so excited about leading the team that he got in fantastic shape, and he was looking forward to playing alongside EJ and getting his minutes ahead of Bledsoe. Then his world turned upside down, and it turned out that his hard work makes him pretty much ideal in this role. He’s faster than everybody, and he too can just hit shots and score and make plays, especially if he’s going to play with a crazed intensity trying to spend his rage at not being a starter. It’s pretty awesome.
Cookie, not awesome. Reggie Evans awesome. Cook wasn’t really so horrible as far as grabbing the ball a few times is concerned, but he’s just got to hit those open shots. That’s who he is—a stretch 4 who makes shots. They need to go in. Sadly the Bucks were hanging around, in part because Cook missed shots, which meant that Solomon Jones didn’t get into the game film. He will, I’m sure against Portland. He has to. Part of the issue last night was that Evans was seeing his first minutes, and Evans and Jones on the floor at the same time means no frontline offense, but those are rotation issues that have to evolve. Now that Evans is available and magnificently beastish, VDN can start by rotating Cook to DNP status. And more DJ, when he does a nice job staying out of foul trouble, is another good way to go.
But the Reggie Evans debut was pretty classic. It wasn’t just the offensive rebound on the first play, but two more boards in quick succession. The guy is going to be a major piece, and people and pundits might not have realized that his appearance in the lineup is a significant addition and an important step for the Clippers and their quest to be a top tier team. A couple of practice days coming up (unless today is a day off, although Jones and Evans need as much work as possible. And please feel free to shoot a few hundred free throws with DJ and Blake, Reggie) should help the evolution continue going strong.
citizen zhiv - January 8, 2012
I liked the experimentation as well
And Reggie Evans is just what the doctor ordered for this team.
NewCavsfan - January 8, 2012
Plus 1 on Caron
He’s much better than anything the Clips have thrown out at the 3 I can remember, and he’s doing a good jib picking his spots and taking advantage of his opportunities. He’s even moving the ball well. He’s really playing winning basketball.
BoSoxFan45 - January 8, 2012
I like Reggie's winning attitude
He stayed late after the game with DJ tutoring him on shooting free throws.
PV Mike - January 8, 2012
DJ is my favorite player!!! =]
and it’s true he needs more practice! He’s horrible! :P
BTW, I’m quite new to NBA and Clippers so please tell me what number is Reggie? ^^
clips_ftw - January 8, 2012
He's #30
10 points to the first person to buy a Reggie Evans jersey
yaggiefresh - January 8, 2012
Oh He's new right?
He’s good at rebounds, but not at shooting…
clips_ftw - January 8, 2012
yes!
got it a week ago
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
HA! Thanks!! =]
clips_ftw - January 8, 2012
Reggie's attitutde: Yes!
Did you see him just before tip off? He was pumped up; stood on court and was greeted each of the Clipper starters as they walked on. This from a guy putting on the uni for the first time. He’s the guy making all the newcomers feel like a team. Wow, I didn’t know he had this going on!
Thretch - January 8, 2012
Yep - He Is Very Enthusiastic Team Cheerleader
A guy to love to have on your team but hate to play against.
Buddahfan - January 8, 2012
Wait, i dont know if i want DJ getting FT advice from a career 54% free throw shooter.
by the way, love your pic haha.
indy818 - January 8, 2012
My tongue was very deep in my cheek on that post.
PV Mike - January 8, 2012
lol
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Reggie Gives Everyone Advice - LOL
Buddahfan - January 8, 2012
lol
Erik O - January 8, 2012
why does VDN not give trey thompkins ALL of cooks minutes
he can do everything better than cook! He can even shoot three’s better (cooks “specialty”)
clipdood - January 8, 2012
Tompkins Has Yet To Be Upgraded From Rookie Bringing Donuts to Replacing Cookies
or something like that.
Seriously I have no idea what the answer to your question is.
Buddahfan - January 8, 2012
LoL!
ThaFoX - January 8, 2012 via Android app
+1
ThaFoX - January 8, 2012 via Android app
I'm going to go with defensive awareness
Clearly Cookie is horrible on defense but from what the naked eye tells me, Thompkins is no better. I can’t remember which game it was but there was a pick and roll on defense and Trey exposed not only himself but the rest of the defense with bad rotation. I know it’s a small sample, but it’s the best I could come up with.
Best case scenario, Clippers win a handful of blowouts, Trey gets more burn and soon he replaces Cook on the depth chart.
yaggiefresh - January 8, 2012
+1
Thompkins has no clue yet on D. I believe the one you’re thinking of was in the Chicago game, but there have been plenty more instances since.
Here are two other reasons: rebounding and size. As bad as he was last night in many respects, Cookie at least did a pretty tough job on the boards. Thompkins hasn’t shown any ability/desire on the glass yet. And keep in mind that Cook didn’t get any minutes at the 4 last night — if Blake wasn’t in, Evans was. All of Cook’s minutes came as the backup 5, with DJ off the floor. So the real question is not so much why Thompkins isn’t getting Cook’s minutes, it’s why Solomon Jones isn’t getting Cook’s minutes.
boltsfan21 - January 8, 2012
I have been wondering about that myself.
Buddahfan - January 8, 2012
basically because Solomon is new
like I said when Solomon was signed: VDN, like all coaches, will play the player he knows the first few games if the new player isn’t a huge upgrade. And like I also said before: Cook is cleaning up the defensive glass when he is on the floor (DRB % 24.7 first among clippers with over 10 min per game and more then 1 game).
Now that Reggie is playing is think Cooks minutes will go down and we’ll see more of Jones. But most people won’t see that Cook has do a decent job considering his abilities and has provided something that we have been missing this season: rebounding. or should we play Trey who has a whopping DRB% of 8.6?
BelgianClipper - January 8, 2012
Good Points
Buddahfan - January 8, 2012
there were 2 times last night when Cook was in that the Bucks had 3 or 4 chances because we couldn't get a rebound.
The numbers may say something else, but that’s just numbers. Also, i think he hurts the offensive flow because he just stands behind the 3 point line and doesn’t move. What bothers me the most about him is as soon as the ball touches his hands my initial thought is “oh no, he’s going to shoot.” That’s not a good thought.
chrisd - January 8, 2012
Can't believe I'm defending Cook
but there were also 2 times where he fought for and came up with very difficult rebounds. We’re not saying he’s a great rebounder, just a helluva lot better rebounder than Thompkins. At this point the Thompkins love is all just a byproduct of Cookie hate, but I think if Thompkins got Cookie’s minutes he’d be on the receiving end of that hate pretty quickly, because at this stage of his development he’s not bringing any more to the table than Cookie.
boltsfan21 - January 8, 2012
I'm more of a fan of a Jones & Evans front court for the 2nd unit.
Who cares if they can’t score, Mo Williams is better than anybody on any teams 2nd unit.
chrisd - January 8, 2012
All Good
But he still needs to hit some shots. Then everybody will be happy. And while he might have a good rebound rate, it’s not like he’s a defensive force out there—a fair amount of time on his shifts the shots are going in and there’s no rebound.
I like Cook as a roster piece and want him to be a weapon. Him hitting a couple of 3s is a bit like the old days when Clipper Steve used to do deep analysis on Kaman’s FG %, pondering on what it would be like if he could miss just one less layup/bunny at the rim a game. We know Cook can hit shots, and now, while Jones and Evans are being worked in slowly, would be a good time for a few to go down.
citizen zhiv - January 8, 2012
I think Jones should get minutes against Portland, the Blazers are a big team. We need any size out there on the floor.
tenkaistar - January 9, 2012
How many rebounds
Does Thompkins have on the year?
BoSoxFan45 - January 8, 2012
Caron's defense on SJax
Pretty good. Stayed in front of Jax and kept him from going to the rim. That saved a couple of buckets.
Thretch - January 8, 2012
Caron was solid last night.
and that just illustrates the idea that if 2 of our top 5 players are having crap games, we can still win.
Last year, if 1 of our top 2 players had a bad night, it was probably a loss.
indy818 - January 8, 2012
this
boltsfan21 - January 8, 2012
The Team Is Definitely Deeper
this season and has a lot more offensive weapons.
Buddahfan - January 8, 2012
Was at the game
First half was unbearably boring and sloppy, and the crowd wasn’t in to it. 2nd half was a different story however. Kinda wish they started the game that way but whatever.
A win is a win and come on… As much as it pains me to say this, we follow the Clippers who are arguably the worst sports franchise of all time. We’re 4-2 to start the season. I mean, when was the last time the Clippers were even above .500?
Ricekrispy10 - January 8, 2012
Not since Sam-I-Am era
cassellmania - January 8, 2012
Everytime Shaun scored yesterday I cheered as if he was still on the Clippers
Much respect towards you, my brotha.
ClipperBEAST - January 8, 2012
+1
Buddahfan - January 8, 2012
VDN pisses me off
We brought in Reggie and Solomon, and you still continue to give Cook play time. Heck, I’d rather put in Trey Thompkins over him! Cookie’s a nice guy, but he’s not a good basketball player.
ClipperBEAST - January 8, 2012
Terrible
Jax - January 8, 2012
Agreed.
I think Reggie Solomon duo would be effective.
SurfinQ00 - January 8, 2012
Who scores?
I would rather see Reggie/Trey because Trey has an offensive skill set.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Mo Williams scores
chrisd - January 8, 2012
every play?
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
sure, he or Foye shoot it most the time on the 2nd unit except for when Cooki bricks a 3.
I’d rather have Gomes shoot. We should always have a starter on the floor. With Mo & Foye playing, you can have a choice of Caron, Blake or DJ to play with Gomes, Evans or Solomon. That keeps Cookie in the DNP.
chrisd - January 8, 2012
I'm arguing for Trey over Solomon
Solomon brings little to the table. Trey can score.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Fair enough, neither should get too much burn either way.
chrisd - January 8, 2012
Trey brings as little to the table on D
as Solomon does on O.
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
which calls for good coaching
to know when the opponents frontline is weak and we can easily score or the opponents frontline is strong and we need some good D there.
peterghost - January 9, 2012
Yay for a non-black-and-while answer!
Because these things are rarely black-and-white.
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
Good teams find a way to win ugly games!
Th Clips won on a night they generally did not play well. These are the games good teams must win. I like how they won when they did not play well (except for the third quarter).
mrbiff - January 8, 2012
Completely random.
But I just kind of felt like getting this off my chest. HOLY CRAP ARE LAKER FANS STUPID. I had to argue with them about why LeBron is better than Kobe at the moment and why Steve Blake + Ebanks is NOT a fair trade for Steve Nash.
SurfinQ00 - January 8, 2012
Blake/Banks for Nash?
….. I have no words.
Xfactor26 - January 8, 2012
I will be watching the laker game tonight
seeing if the grizzly curse hits bynum again. Obviously, I would never be hoping someone gets injured, but lets just say I won’t be rooting for Bynum to have another monster game.
osamu - January 8, 2012
Agreed.
I don’t like to see players get injured, but I don’t like Bynum. It’s not because he is a good center playing for the Lakers, it’s that he is a total punk.
SurfinQ00 - January 8, 2012
Jose Juan says
+1
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Bynum?
Kobe 24?
clips_ftw - January 8, 2012
Bynum is #17, I think
kobe is #24
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Well, the Lakers have been spoiled with lopsided trades since forever
UC.Clipper - January 8, 2012
not that lopsided
and not in today’s nba. there’s too much media, too many conspiracy theories.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
jeez
Blake and Ebanks?
Erik O - January 8, 2012
Blebanks
or, just Blanks.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
ugly win
I snuck out of a wedding reception to sneak a few peaks at the score. These are the kind of games the Clips must win consistently to be a top seeded playoff team. Not every game will be pretty like the rockets.
ClipperChuck - January 8, 2012 via mobile
Bad News For Thunder Is Good News For the Clippers
I never want to see a player injured but this has to help the Clippers
E. Maynor torn ACL, out for the remainder of the season.
Maynor is the guy that made the Thunder second unit go. Without him the Thunder second unit could be a lot less effective. We will get some preliminary indication starting shortly as Thunder go up against Spurs on NBA.TV
Buddahfan - January 8, 2012
Harden
Will probably handle the ball more now with second unit, unless their rookie PG Jackson comes to play.
cassellmania - January 8, 2012
Jackson Was The PG In The First Half Tonight
Buddahfan - January 8, 2012
thunder have a lot of trade assets
They can always acquire a solid pg like Sessions, Ridnour etc as a backup.
ClipperChuck - January 8, 2012 via mobile
I think they have a surplus of bigs.
And I think the Clippers have a surplus of PGs. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a trade.. Although I agree that Thunder can get a backup pretty easily.
SurfinQ00 - January 8, 2012
i dont see why they would want bledsoe
They need a pass first pg who’s a good game manager (read pass ball to durant stay out of the way). They also would want a veteran with experience since they are looking like legit contenders. Also why would the strengthen a potential playoff foe?
ClipperChuck - January 8, 2012 via mobile
Because we would be strengthened by getting a big
it’s a win-win trade
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
Could Reggie Jackson Be Better Than Bledsoe?
first game tonight as Maynor’s replacement
MP 23
Pts 11
Assists 4
Plus/Minus +4
Buddahfan - January 8, 2012
1 game.
per 48(iast year) bledsoe averaged 14ppg, 7.5 apg, 5.8rpg, 2.4spg, 0.7bpg, 5.1topg on 42% shooting with 28%threes
per 48(this year) jackson is averaging 24ppg, 6.9.apg, 3.4rpg, 0spg, 0bpg, 0topg on 22% shooting with 17% threes.
It’s a sample size issue. Bledsoe had games last year where he had
20pts, 3ast, 4reb, 7stl in 22 min on 64% shooting, and
23pts, 6ast, 8reb in 22 min on 64% shooting.
Jackson, tonight, had 11pts, 4ast, 1reb on 44% shooting.
Obviously those are two of Bled’s best games, and this is one game by Jackson. Those stats are essentially meaningless, due to small sample size for Jackson. Could Jackson be better than Bledsoe? I guess. But if he is, these stats from one game aren’t enough to prove that.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
i know why the clips would do it
No idea why the Thunder would.
ClipperChuck - January 8, 2012 via mobile
Because teams should do whatever want...
Oh wait, we aren’t the Lakers.
SurfinQ00 - January 8, 2012
If Tim Tebow can beat the Steelers in the playoffs.
Why can’t we win in the playoffs too.
PV Mike - January 8, 2012
Can we trade Cookie for Tebow?
chrisd - January 8, 2012
True, and we actually have a good quarterback
ganima - January 8, 2012 via iPhone app
dude stepped up big time
big0lbad - January 8, 2012
FYI, Heat and Clips on national TV Wednesday (ESPN)
PV Mike - January 8, 2012
I would rather watch Milph
but when the Clippers are on TNT, then Turner has exclusive rights so Fox can’t put Mike and Ralph on
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
I tape them both.
I like to get different perspectives of the game especially if Hubie Brown is calling the game.
You can learn about all the things VDN should be coaching the team to do.
PV Mike - January 8, 2012
Wouldn't it be fantastic if Reggie bleached his beard?
Erik O - January 8, 2012
Skinner 2.0
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
See my post on Lob City Nation Fanpost
I may need an art director.
PV Mike - January 8, 2012
While the lakers won tonight
they had 27 turnovers and only forced 9. A memphis team without ZBO took them down the wire and LA only won by 8.
How often will Matt Barnes have 15/10?
How often will Steve Blake have 13?
How often will Marc Gasol shoot 0-9?
So it kind of fell into place for the Lakers.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
still kinda scary
that they overcame 27 turnovers to get the W. I could see the clips game going similarly, with clips taking care of the ball, but getting massively out rebounded. Hopefully Reggie goes hard and grabs a lot of balls. Plus, kobe is a tough matchup for anyone, but especially seems like for the clips diminutive back court. Lakers were playing without McBob too, yea he’s no Zbo, but really their only big on the bench besides Murph.
osamu - January 8, 2012
Blake is a better bench player than Murph and McBob.
And the issue about 27 turnovers and them still winning a game? I am not scared. The Clippers capitalize on turnovers, so I would imagine that in a game plagued by turnovers, the Clippers would score about 20-30 on fastbreaks. Even if we give up some turnovers, I am not afraid. Their open court game is attrocious.
SurfinQ00 - January 8, 2012
I doubt that we would miss enough
to allow 53 boards, 40 of them defensive. If we miss that many shots without getting 2nd chances, then the Clips won’t have a chance because the defense can’t win a game against a good team by themselves.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
It never stops being funny, even when you don't necessarily mean it that way
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
This is why I think the Clippers have a good shot at taking them out.
Kobe’s injury may not have affected his shot, but it HAS affected his handling. He turns the ball over often, and teams like Memphis don’t capitalize on the Lakers’ lack of desire/ inability to run down court on a fastbreak. The Lakers make a good amount of turnovers and their open court defense is mediocre. We should be able to punish them in that sense. They have a pretty decent setup offense, but I expect Bynum to have his way with DJ. The best we can do is try to lock down on Pau and not give up second chance points. On the offensive end I think we have a nice advantage. Our weakest scorer is by far DJ, but you still can’t leave him alone. I expect Bynum to really shut him down, but I think CP3 and Caron should look to take over the game. Pau always gives Griffin a hard time, so I would imagine Griffin will max at out about 20 points if he is making his shots. Billups may have a hard time with Kobe on him, so I expect him to be insignificant compared to his normal performance. However, the Lakers’ PG and SF defense is mediocre, and we can and should capitalize on that!
SurfinQ00 - January 8, 2012
Kobe has never turned the ball over more than he is now.
Except for when he tied his current 4.1 per in 05, when he was playing 41mpg.
He is also shooting his lowest FG% since that year, and his lowest 3pt% ever.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
You guys see VDN return as head coach next year?
Play-offs and a series victory, I say yes. Anything less than that, I say no.
ClipperBEAST - January 8, 2012
I think
it depends on a few things. What is our record? How do we do against good teams? Do we win a series against a challenging team(thunder, spurs, lakers)? What seed are we? Do we get killed in the second round or fight?
Most importantly, who else is avail?
Jerry Sloan? Then VDN is out unless he wins the west. Not that mangement would do that, but thats how I feel. Not that I expect a finals or bust attitude, but I feel like Sloan is too much of an upgrade over Vinny to defend keeping VDN if Sloan is avail unless it can be proven that Negro really fits this team.
LJ Hann - January 8, 2012
+1
boltsfan21 - January 9, 2012
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