What a game. The box score is here for anyone who wants to see it.
The Clippers struggles in Utah over the last two decades are well documented. The tandems of John Stockton and Karl Malone, Derron Williams and Carlos Boozer are long gone, but the Jazz still always manage to put out a competitive team on the floor. The last time the Clips came into Energy Solutions Arena, they were without Chris Paul and Mo WIliams, in the 2nd of back to back to back games on the road. The result was an embarassing blowout loss. Tonight, the Clippers unquestioned leader was back along with Mo, and it was clear from the outset that the Lob Angeles Clippers was on a mission to put an end to the Jazz domination at home.
Give a lot of credit to Utah in this one. Those boys came to play, and never gave up for a second. The Clippers opened the game with an alley-oop from Paul to Griffin, and followed that up with a series of big time finishes at the rim. But the Jazz continuously had an answer, looking to get out and run from the outset, putting a great deal of pressure on the Clippers. While Paul Millsap struggled tonight, Al Jefferson was terrific, torching the Clipper bigs with 18 points on 9/11 shooting in the first half. Throughout the entire game, the Jazz looked to push, allowing them to get transition points and trips to the free throw line. In addition, getting the ball across half court allowed them to initiate their offense early in the shot clock, assuring quality possession after quality possession. A lot of credit is owed to Coach Tyrone Corbin. He has done an excellent job of getting his team to execute what looks a whole lot like Jerry Sloan's old offense, without a great passing point guard. We saw some really nifty sets tonight, with Utah running diversionary double cuts pulling in the entire Clipper defense, followed by a third cut leading to an easy layup. They also executed great simple back cuts for easy points as well. Really great stuff, and maximum effort for 48 minutes as well.
Caron Butler was not available for the game tonight, with reports of some stiffness in his back. As a result, Ryan Gomes got off the bench tonight, where he was once again completely ineffective. His inability to make the corner three (which Butler has been knocking down at a great rate this season) really hurts the Clippers offense. As a result, we saw the three guard lineup even more tonight than usual. Its actually an interesting look, and when Paul and Griffin are on the floor it looks pretty good for the most part. The problem is when you have three point guards out there with Reggie Evans and Deandre Jordan. Jordan and Evans inability to score from the block makes it very tough to get anything but a jump shot, and even that doesn't come easy, as the defense is able to extend more comfortably, and can hedge much more on screens. And give the Jazz defense credit. In particular, I thought Gordon Hayward did an excellent job tonight, using his length to really bother our guards. Chauncey Billups in particular had a really rough time getting quality looks at the basket. On the other end, Hayward kept putting pressure on the Clippers, looking to run and try and get layups whenever he could. He only ended up with 12 points, but he was a much bigger factor than the box sore would indicate tonight.
After relying heavily on the three point shot the last two games, the Clippers were only 5/22 from behind the arc tonight. It didnt matter. It's becoming increasingly obvious that these Clippers are coming together, starting to gel as a unit. The pick N roll is really starting to develop as a weapon in the half court, and Paul has figured out where to get it to his bigs and how to get his own points out of those sets as well. He is so good off the pick with his ability to get to the rim, make the right pass, or step back/pull up jumper, that the Clippers always have a chance to get a quality look when he is on the floor. This was the best I have seen the Clippers play as a half court offense (which is not to say they didn't have some frustrating possessions where they settled for jumpers or shots late in the shot clock,). I think a healthy Caron Butler may have allowed the Clippers to separate in this game. But that wouldn't be the case tonight.
The Clippers were unable to get any distance from the Jazz, and found themselves in a dog fight coming down the stretch. They made some real big plays in the fourth quarter. With the ball out of bounds behind the Clippers basket, the Clippers only had .06 left on the shot clock. Mo WIlliams managed to get a shot up, followed by a big offensive rebound by CP3. He would get fouled and convert 1 out of 2 from the stripe. On the ensuing possession, an offensive rebound by Blake Griffin led to a big 3 by Chris Paul, giving the Clippers a lead when the Jazz were threatening to take the momentum in the game. Blake Griffin had two other big plays in this game, drawing an offensive foul on Millsap (when Griffin himself had 5), and taking the ball to the rim and finishing the "and 1" with the Jazz looking to foul intentionally. Heads up play and a great finish.
Down the stretch, it sure is nice to have some guys who can make free throws. The Clippers would make 7 in a row to end the game, icing it amid some big shots by the Jazz which in years past might have kept the home winning streak alive. The game ended with a big rebound by Reggie Evans, followed by his team mates swarming him on the floor, then huddling up together. We knew the Clippers had the talent to be a good team. Now it looks like they are a TEAM in every sense of the word, enjoying playing these games every night as much as we enjoy watching.
It's gonna be a fun season.
***
Only one note tonight.
Solomon Jones does not look like an NBA player to me. I like his length, but he does nothing with it, and is constantly getting beat at the rim on defense, and he's unable to finish on offense. I miss Ike Diogu. Never thought I'd say that.
0 recs | 130 comments
Jefferson scored 18 points on 9/11 shooting in the first half not 8
I agree 100% about Jones, and Diogu. His midrange jumper wasnt pretty, but at least he was somewhat of a threat offensively.
I miss him and the Rhino a lot.
NewCavsfan - February 1, 2012
thanks
got the typo changed
johnnyoc21 - February 1, 2012
I miss Ike and Rhino too
Is Ike still available? I know we’re waiting on Kenyon for this weekend and I think Ike is smaller than Solomon, but Solomon has no clue what he’s doing out there. He even bricks easy put backs that at least DJ would’ve dunked (first quarter reference).
chrisd - February 1, 2012
good call. agreed
sign him up if we don’t get Kenyon
timkempton - February 1, 2012
Last that I remembered
he was released. Signing him would give us a little bit of offense over Solomon.
JackduhSun - February 2, 2012
Last I heard...
…Ike signed with San Antonio
saxmanager - February 2, 2012
And they waived him.
It was a quiet let-go. I made the same mistake thinking he was still there.
Chris McD - February 2, 2012
Great gritty win
Jax - February 1, 2012
love the team chemistry
great win, loved the team celebration after the game… hopegully we hear of a kenyon martin signing this weekend, how can he pass up playing with this team?!
jonnto - February 1, 2012
Definitely need to relieve Griffin
if he fouls out. Need another post presence out there. Was nervous when Blake got 5 and there was still 3 min left. Who do you bring in? Solomon Jones? Reggie?
cliptakular - February 1, 2012
Kenyon ;)
cassellmania - February 1, 2012
there situations where we can be Cookie Monster to play the 4
He is 6"9 with LONG arms and a smart veteran to play D
On offense, he can stretch the court with his 3 point shooting. Run some pick and pops with D Paul
timkempton - February 1, 2012
i don't want any situation where we can be Cookie Monster.
That being said he is not a smart defender, his defense is to foul and for that he is worth 6 fouls and that’s it. His 3pt shooting is atrocious this year which is even worse than just bad because he never passes the ball when it gets to him.
chrisd - February 2, 2012
he normally shoots well from beyond the arc
he just needs some time and we will see him raining 3s again soon enough
timkempton - February 2, 2012
rotations tightened
VDN, finally, has tightened up the rotations to the point where Cookie is exactly where he should be (riding the pine). He does have a decent 3 ball (though is has obviously been off this year in a small sample size) but his defense and rebounding are horrendous, therefore, giving Reggie the nod over him is the right move. I hope to see him get a pink slip soon and bring back the Rhino.
RiseUp32! - February 2, 2012
Rhino is in Portland
chrisd - February 2, 2012
So he takes worse shots than he should and a lot of them.
muckduck - February 2, 2012
Why are you praising him?
Brian Cook has proven that he isn’t NBA material this year. You say he is 6’9 with long arms and he plays defense. Last time he played, he didn’t seem like that at all. His defense is mediocre and half the time, he doesn’t even contest layups/shots. He had 1 or 2 blocks, but that was mere offensive lazyness. They felt he wasn’t going to put up ANY defense, so they took it straight to him.
On offense, he is terrible. He camps at the 3 pointer, and while they say he is a specialist, I personally don’t even remember a time this season (aside from preseason) in which he made a 3. He is shooting 21% from behind the arc and I’m pretty sure any non-3 pointer shooter can match that. He doesn’t stretch the court at ALL because he merely camps at the top, and to think that he can run pick and pops? Yeah, right.
Are you seriously just trolling these boards. Because from what you have posted, it makes me question if you even know the Clippers.
SurfinQ00 - February 2, 2012
great win fellas!
timkempton - February 1, 2012
Bledsoe?
Anyone know why he was back in street clothes in the 2nd row?
benwinship - February 1, 2012
Basketball reference
has his listed on the injury report.
Type: Knee
Note: Missed Wednesday’s game in Utah
Michael White - February 2, 2012
Marqus Blakely would look good in a Clipper uni right about now...
teddygreen - February 1, 2012
I almost
Feel comfortable to say we are becoming the juggernuts
arman martikian - February 1, 2012 via mobile
Don't you know who I am?
Lawler 4ever - February 2, 2012
I see what you did there
Steve Perrin - February 2, 2012
Paul and Griffin
Both dropped 30+ points tonight. Does anyone recall when the Clippers last had two 30 point scorers? Griffin and Gordon? ZBo and Gordon? Kaman and Brand?
vaughtfromhisspot - February 1, 2012 via mobile
not Kaman and Brand
Kaman has never scored 30. I’d guess Griffin and Gordon did it last year.
Steve Perrin - February 1, 2012
He got awfully close a few times.
But sadly, he never got that elusive 30.
Chris McD - February 2, 2012
Yup
And before that it was Zbo and Mike Taylor at MSG.
h/t to SBNationLA twitter feed which noted that last night.
Michael White - February 2, 2012
How did I know if there was a Clipper milestone of any kind with Mr Randolph, you'd know about it
On the ZBo line, it always makes me laugh on the Basketball Jones when they play the soundbit with him saying about other people “doing dem skiings”
ClippersUK - February 2, 2012
For sure I know
Gordon and Thornton in Gordon’s rookie year. Gordon dropped 41, Thornton 35 against Thunder.
Final692 - February 2, 2012
Then I guess you didn't watch last season.
Griffin and Gordon did it last year (Washington)
mustang6944 - February 2, 2012
Chris Paul
still blows my mind how good this guy is. There’s like 2 Sam Cassells on the court when the game is on the line.
cliptakular - February 1, 2012
The Bench
Is an adventure in suffering and patience (until the starters come in), but it was a great win. The Jazz have a scary frontline…can we have one of their extra bigs?
Yinka Dare - February 1, 2012
yeah. wish we could have one of their extra bigs and CJ Miles
we don’t have any lefties on the team
timkempton - February 1, 2012
Our starting center is a lefty
I hate to be rude if you are just a newbie who doesn’t know alot, but are you sure that you aren’t trolling on here?
LJ Hann - February 2, 2012
whats with the negative press?
Tim is funny
big0lbad - February 2, 2012
I don't think he is trying to be
that’s the problem. I mean, all you have to do is think for a second to realize we have a lefty on our team,
LJ Hann - February 2, 2012
some people werent blessed with your intellect mighty padwan
big0lbad - February 2, 2012
They really do
Those guys are so skilled, and can knock down jumpers AND free throws. They got great potential. i think their coach did a bad job
kikyexcel - February 1, 2012
Chris Paul is so lethal...
He can kill you so many ways…it’s like he’s just dribbling around trying to decide which way he wants to do it on each possession.
banandy - February 2, 2012 via Android app
Very nice recap
I’m starting to wonder if Blake is turning into a shot blocker. He’s never been one even in college but he now has 12 blocks in the last 4 games (each with at least 2). Way too early to say and I can’t really think of anyone whos gone from a non-shot blocker to a shot blocker but not too many big guys are ever as quick and explosive as him.
ClipperChuck - February 2, 2012
that running monster block on Hayward was awesome!
I’m loving this part of his defense, maybe DJ has been teaching him when to jump to block.
chrisd - February 2, 2012
That better be in Clipper*Joe's next Blake video.
Lawler 4ever - February 2, 2012
he seems to need too much wind up to be a consistent shot blocker
like the tebow of weak side help…haha
banandy - February 2, 2012 via Android app
blake seems like he can definitely be an elite shot blocker
i think often times is mores worried about positioning and getting a rebound than to go for all blocks
i am very excited about the future of our franchise.
timkempton - February 2, 2012
I wouldn't say he can be an elite shot blocker
he simply isn’t built to do so, elite shot blocking requires long arms (a la DJ).
bestclipfan - February 2, 2012
Non shot blocker to shot blocker
Andrew Bogut comes to mind. He averaged .5 blocks per game his second season in the league – in 66 games, playing 34 minutes per game, so he had his chances – and then led the league last season with 2.6 per. I’ve never seen anything like that before.
Blake has the jumping ability to get a fair number of chase downs and weak side blocks — he never much challenged people last season, didn’t go for blocks. He’ll probably never be a great shot blocker, because he doesn’t have the reach, so he can’t block shots without having time to jump. But he is totally different lately than he was last year. His career high was 2 as of a week ago. He’s equaled or beaten that in each of the last four games.
Steve Perrin - February 2, 2012
Good point
Jax - February 2, 2012
I noticed this too
I remember lots of analysts wondering why he would never go for blocks due to his athleticism. In the last few games it’s been surprising seeing him get blocks. His defense in general is getting better.
Chris McD - February 2, 2012
Give me Mardy Collins, Al Thornton, or even Jamario Moon. Anyone but Ryan Gomes...
teddygreen - February 2, 2012
Mardy Collins point forward!
LJ Hann - February 2, 2012
No. Hell no.
Michael White - February 2, 2012
we had 50 rebounds to Utah's 35 today!
Pawn - February 2, 2012
Considering their front line, that is impressive
Blake had 14, DJ had 11, Billups had 7, Paul had 5 (none for gomes- all #s off the top of my head so take with a grain of salt)
So that is more boards from those 4 than Utah? 37-35? wow.
LJ Hann - February 2, 2012
We have been pretty good in rebounds of late
part of that is having Evans in there over Cook, but the other is receiving better effort from the entire team.
mustang6944 - February 2, 2012
Great game
The Jazz are amazing. Al Jefferson, Favors, Millsap and Kanter. They definitely DON"T have front court scoring issues or depth issues. Al Jefferson was amazing in the first half. 9/11, what a dominating performance. Luckily, he slowed down a bit in the 2nd half.
Wow, JohnnyOC21, specifically calling out Solomon Jones. Considering he’s the 12th man and he was only signed as an Emergency, maybe we’re being too critical. He beat out DJ MBenga and Gadzuric to join the team….not exactly All-stars. Then again, having Evans and Jones in the Front court at the same time was not pretty, so I understand your frustrations.
The last 30 sec were surprising. I was amazed the Clips in-bounded the ball safely continuously. i thought for sure VDN would burn some timeouts to advance the ball. Nonetheless, the Clips executed. An interesting choice to foul with 7 sec left, but it turned out great.
3 guard lineup worked great. Mo hit some big FTs.
oasisman - February 2, 2012
It’s not like he just criticized him without presenting an alternative solution. Ike Diogu is probably sitting at home wondering when his phone is going to ring.
Michael White - February 2, 2012
Solomon Jones was -14 last night....
In contrast Ryan Gomes was +4 (even with his 0,0,0 stats).
The end is nigh though. Non-guaranteed contracts become guaranteed in ten days. Solomon Jones? The rookies?
John Raffo - February 2, 2012
12th man?
Jones replaced Cook as the 9th/10th man. And people around here have no problem calling out Cook (and, in fact, were begging for Jones to get his minutes). They both suck, but to my mind Jones sucks worse.
boltsfan21 - February 2, 2012
What kind of difference would Raja Bell have made?
2-ScoopIceCream - February 2, 2012
Slowed down CP3 maybe
He probably wouldn’t have gone off for 34 points. Then again, Earl Watson was a good “annoying force” for CP3 and his departure really hurt/hurts the Jazz. CP3 definitely capitalized.
oasisman - February 2, 2012
bigger question would be what kind of difference would Caron Butler have made?
I think the answer is a game changer. I don’t think this game would’ve been as close if we had Caron. Gomes was just completely off on all ends of the court, which has been on par for this year unfortunately. His confidence is shot but he is somebody who used to be adequate but isn’t anymore.
chrisd - February 2, 2012
Monumental W
Does anyone else feel like the last few months have gone exactly as your Clippers checklist would have read back at the beginning?
- Win in Utah: check
- 3-1 against conference semi teams from a year ago: check
- Best dunk of the season: check
- Guys starting in the All-Star game: check
- Brian Cook loses his playing time: check
Marver - February 2, 2012 via Android app
just 1 more thing to add to the checklist
KMart in a clippers uni?
Check!
big0lbad - February 2, 2012
+1
ganima - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app
Solomon Jones is not NBA material.
PV Mike - February 2, 2012
he is horrible
What was up with standing motionless in the key while Favors dribbled right around him for the easy layup?!
ganima - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app
lets not be so hard on King Solomon just yet
He hasn’t played much and is young
I think in due course, he will be a very serviceable backup in this league
Not saying he will be superstar but big guys don’t grow on trees and we just needs some time. I think he can grow into a Jordan Hill
timkempton - February 2, 2012
hes also the only one of our bigs that can make a free throw
shap - February 2, 2012
He's not that young (by NBA standards).
He’ll be 28 in July.
Lawler 4ever - February 2, 2012
Cookie needs time, Jones needs time
Does Evans need time to work on his offensive game? Geez….
ganima - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app
I trust Evans more to make a shot.
mustang6944 - February 2, 2012
just a thought
but shouldnt the break away lay up by blake in the closing seconds of the game be called a flagrant? i know blake made it but still, jefferson`s foul wasnt exactly a play on the ball.
cliptakular - February 2, 2012
no
It wasn’t a particularly hard foul, no where near the head, not dangerous. That’s just a foul.
Al Harrington’s the other night should have been a flagrant. That was a dangerous play.
Steve Perrin - February 2, 2012
yeah that was a pretty weak foul by Harrington actually, he should have never let Blake even get the shot off let alone make it.
chrisd - February 2, 2012
you mean Jefferson
Steve Perrin - February 2, 2012
yep, thanks
chrisd - February 2, 2012
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED
The call to foul up by 3! i think that was cp3s call not vdn. vinny had let them play straight up before that and the jazz ended up scoring both 3s! Watching the recap now on fsnwest…did anyone get that “not again” feeling when dj went down early in the 1st? that was a nasty looking bend…Good recap johny
Lawler's Law - February 2, 2012
not a fan
I’m not a fan of fouling up three. Don’t like stopping the clock for one thing. I also worry about telling players to give that foul, and having them do it after someone has gone into a shooting motion. Luckily with CP3, he’s smart enough to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Steve Perrin - February 2, 2012
that's the benefit of having 2 savvy, high ft% PG's like CP3 or Billups
BelgianClipper - February 2, 2012
It was interesting how both CP3 and Billups had no problem with that strategy
Sort of runs counter to my gut but I defer to them. They were obviously right last night.
Jax - February 2, 2012
My feeling, too
SilverClip - February 2, 2012
Yeah...
You’re committing to a frozen-clock, foul-shooting contest. Sure it worked but those two quick threes almost let the Jazz back in. Scary stuff.
John Raffo - February 2, 2012
True - but we have the closer free throw shooters and we were ahead
Jax - February 2, 2012
Different situations depending on whether or not the opponent has timeouts left.
If they do, and are taking it in from the front court, then I’m with you — it kills the clock right away AND is far too risky, given that anyone can get in a shooting motion as soon as they catch the ball. Without TOs like last night, however, it’s a different story. Time still drains as they’re bringing the ball up, and then you can foul right when they cross half court w/o having to worry about fouling a 3-pt shooter. Plus, after they foul you again, their next possession also starts from the back court, since they can’t use a TO to advance the ball.
boltsfan21 - February 2, 2012
Chris Paul is a joy to watch
Feels like everytime he shoots the ball it’s going in…
ap3604 - February 2, 2012
posting from the airport in korea
Sounded like a fun game. So sad I’m probably going to miss the next 2 weeks of games (and the Super Bowl). Better keep building that momentum.
osamu - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app
that airport in korea is great. best i've been to.
tenkaistar - February 2, 2012
"that airport in Korea"
Is there only one airport in Korea?
Steve Perrin - February 2, 2012
no, the big one in seoul...just forgot the name.
tenkaistar - February 2, 2012
few points
-holy crap chris paul is good. like, holy crap. i said this a bit in the game thread, but guy can literally do anything on the basketball court. when was the last time we saw a point guard this good at, you know, being an actual point guard? nash, sure.. but nash has always been such a liability defensively, whereas paul is actually pretty good on that end. i don’t even know what to say, he does whatever he wants in fourth quarters. best part is, he knows he can do whatever he wants.
-man the dive from butler to gomes is staggering. and no, gomes isn’t this bad. but using that 3 guard lineup heavily may have crushed his confidence.
-saw some great moves from blake. i give blake a hard time for his lack of post moves and his generally raw halfcourt game, but he does have great footwork for a big this young. and a tenacity rarely seen.
-i mean, aside from that.. we got a lot of character plays. from chauncey, reggie, mo.. but not many other great games. and we beat a really good home team. the good times are rolling.. sadly i only have one more game to watch in socal before im overseas the rest of the season.
shap - February 2, 2012
There are ways to watch games online. The timing/schedule might not work out for you though.
Lawler 4ever - February 2, 2012
gomes is that bad he had couple games like these last season
KillaClip - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Try living overseas all the time
Got to scrap around for a live feed that stalls, freezes, skips, makes watching the Clips like torture, like years gone by lol.
kirbs - February 2, 2012
i feel for u, homie
ill be out there with ya for 2 years missin my clips
shap - February 2, 2012
Hopefully, we'll all be pointing up to our 2 banners when you get back lol.
Lawler 4ever - February 2, 2012
Kirbs, have you looked at NBA.TV?
It’s not the cheapest but you get hi-def Clippers games. You are in Australia right? Well, I’ve got a number of Aussie NBA mates who subscribe to this (we all used to subscribe when it was International League Pass Broandband under 1 ID and split the costs but they cottoned onto us connecting up at the same time and put a stop to that!).
You can buy a package just for the Clippers (including playoffs) or go the whole hog and get EVERY GAME. I got the second. So, my family doesn’t eat for a week – they’ll get over it!!!! We’ll watch basketball together instead!!
ClippersUK - February 2, 2012
feeds are getting better though
and thanks to our new found relevance there are more feeds available. And more often then not, they are Milph feeds.
BelgianClipper - February 2, 2012
Great road win despite getting ZERO production from the SF spot.
CP3 was amazing yet again. Really no other way to put it.
Blake had his best game of the season. It really took that kind of effort both offensively and defensively to pull out this win.
Gotta give credit to DJ, as well. He did a better job of pushing Jefferson farther away from the basket thus making it more difficult for him to get to his “scoring” spots. He’s making strides.
Ryan Gomes. He isn’t a ZERO anymore. He’s just a fucking NEGATIVE, steadily impacting the game negatively and getting worse… exponentially, as his minutes increase.
Mo shot terribly last night but I’m glad he stayed aggressive. You need that from a sixth man. Unwavering. He hit some big buckets. We’re gonna see some nights like this from him every now and then. He pressed a little bit because he was the only scoring option out there when the second unit was in. Caron wasn’t there with him to keep the defense honest. They play well together.
Great road win. Good stuff to build on. They’re answering questions about their road record. Hopefully, they can continue this tomorrow with a healthy Caron Butler.
dvnbtn - February 2, 2012
Paul is an assassin!
- a game changer. I remember last season, NOLA raced to 8-0 at the beginning of last season. I just love watching this guy play the 4th quarter as a Clip.
Blake did a good job on Millsap. Before the 4th quarter, Blake was eating him alive. Blake had nice post moves too.
DeAndre did a good job guarding Jefferson in the 2nd half. Unlike in the first half when he bit into Al’s many fakes. I hope he gets into a habit of staying with his man and just put a body out there and just raise his hands-up high, instead of reacting and jumping at the onset.
With regards to the rotation, I agree that VDN should not field a team without Blake or CP3. Unless, it’s already a blow-out. The Clips are a mess without either one.
Jakespeed - February 2, 2012
Win of the year. No doubt about it.
ClipperBEAST - February 2, 2012
I will be just as happy when we beat the Spurs at San Antonio
Breaking these long streaks are more satisfying than beating top ranked teams.
Chris McD - February 2, 2012
I thought the Thunder game was the game of the year
But this might just top it. Of course the Denver game in Denver was sweet too.
This team is really beginning to gel. Who says they can’t win the championship with the current squad? They would seem to have a chance. Adding KMart would be unbelievable.
Jax - February 2, 2012
Right. There’s “doubt” as to which game is the best win of the year (talk about a good problem to have.) In addition to the last three games (all great wins) there’s a win against the rival Lakers and a win against probably the best team in the NBA the Heat.
Michael White - February 2, 2012
Yep - and IMO the team is only going to get better as they continue to gel
CP3 is truly truly amazing. We suddenly have one of the two or three best players in the game and perhaps the best closer. As someone mentioned above you EXPECT his shots to go in at the end of the game. I do not want to take this increasingly special year for granted. We have a real shot to win every single game we play.
One thing – Steve can you change the standings language? It says “games back” and right now we are – 1.5. Maybe it should say "Games Ahead . . . "
Jax - February 2, 2012
The away games are the most satisfying to me...
Clips have never been a good road team. Ever.
John Raffo - February 2, 2012
What's the formula - win 2/3 of home games and half the away games?
We are close to accomplishing both. 3-4 on the road and playing against plus .500 teams mostly. Wonder where we are in that formula now.
Jax - February 2, 2012
Its more than 2/3rd of the home games
more like 3/4th or 4/5ths. You need to be a .700 team to secure first home court the first round of the playoffs in most years.
ClipperChuck - February 2, 2012
So that would be one of the first four teams?
Jax - February 2, 2012
In each conf yea
ClipperChuck - February 2, 2012
k thks
Jax - February 2, 2012
i doubt that will be the case this year
We just have to be better than the Lakers and i really doubt they will be close to .700
XXDC2XX - February 2, 2012
They changed that rule
The Pacific Division champion might get the better seeding but home court is determined by record.
ClipperChuck - February 2, 2012
Ryan Gomes seems disconnected from the team and flow of the game when playing.
Except for an occasional shot it’s like he is not even on the floor.
PV Mike - February 2, 2012
gomes
what else is new? all last year we were playing 4 on 5 with him on the court-he’s a ghost
old666 - February 2, 2012
He's even more invisible this year, if it's even possible
I was shocked to see he played more than 20 min. I barely remember him playing.
ganima - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app
Gomes and Foye
they were on the court together near the end of third quarter and the score was close.
Pats fan in CA - February 2, 2012
Extremly happy with that win
The officiating was driving me nuts all night. The blatant bias they were showing toward the Jazz was infuriating. Damn lucky they missed all their technical FT shots and couldn’t capitalize at the line with their gift foul calls.
Guess I shouldn’t be bitter though. The guys pulled out a huge win. We’ve never seen a Clippers team win games like this. What a pleasure it is to have someone like Paul in your team. We lose this game without him. The ability to create and consistently hit his own shot is quite the luxury.
Another tough game tonight and then I hope we blow out the Wizards on Saturday just so we can get Travis and Trey some playing time.
dulciusXasperis - February 2, 2012
Funny how we watch games with our own team bias
Jazz fans think they got hosed by refs.
PV Mike - February 2, 2012
I don't think there was any bias
the refs were just horrible in the 4th, there were a ton of bad touch fouls in the 4th (mostly against us). The Jazz fans are likely referring to the charge which was the correct call, once the offensive player lowers the shoulder into the defensive player it is charge by rule.
bestclipfan - February 2, 2012
Yeah it's definitely hard to step back and forget about the bias we have for our team
I mean, I swear we got screwed last night. Then again I feel like we do most nights haha. Though it would seem most teams get the edge when they’re on their home court. Especially the Blazers ;) Those fans sound like they’re going to kill the ref ever time they call something against the Blazers. It gets so loud there.
dulciusXasperis - February 2, 2012
Clippers GM Olshey
or vp, whatever he is, is looking really good right now. Most of the players they have traded are pretty much struggling with something or another and the new acquisitions are flying high enjoying the moment. Even last night after a HUGE win, CP said “gotta get home”, big game against a good team. I’m pretty much convinced that CP’s leadership on the floor and the bench has been the key to success. Also the dog pile on Evans last nite after the rebound was GREAT. O, this is getting fun…
rouse77 - February 2, 2012
Gomes
He just looks completely out of sorts. I remember a few years back he was on my fantasy team (back when he was still in minny) and he was an ok player, I mean he could at least do SOMETHING. He looks to have lost his entire skillset. Guys confidence must be so low right now. He’s not even close to the player he was when he came to the clippers and thats saying something since he wasn’t all that great when we signed him.
DannyDodger - February 2, 2012
Unless he does well at practice
When Gomes blows his chance to show case his skills when opportunities present, you are going to the coach’s dog house. I am sure the coaches are aware of that he contributed nothing in recent games.
Pats fan in CA - February 2, 2012
Paul is awesome
Can this be said enough? How does a guy become an even better marksman when the pressure is at its peak? Somebody ought to do a brain study on him and Nash.
Blake also does well in the clutch. That FT he made with about a minute left was very timely. But I usually notice his clutch-ness more in the last half of the 4th, as opposed to the last minute of the 4th. Last night, he had some terrific spins for baskets in those final minutes (his footwork was superb). I love having Blake carry the load this way until Paul takes over. It is a great and compatible combination.
SilverClip - February 2, 2012
+1
No, it really can’t be said enough.
boltsfan21 - February 2, 2012
All Star game
CP3 and Blake are the two starters on the Western Conf all star game too.
Pats fan in CA - February 2, 2012
DJ
Any word on his knee? It was a good sign he played the whole game, but you don’t know really the extent of an injury until the next day.
Hengtime81 - February 2, 2012
He looked fine the rest of the game
It looked more like an ankle injury than anything else.
bestclipfan - February 2, 2012
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