Streeter Lecka - Getty Images
This was never much of a basketball game. The Charlotte Bobcats came in having lost 13 straight, and playing without their two leading scorers, Gerald Henderson and D.J. Augustin. The Los Angeles Clippers, led by North Carolina native Chris Paul playing in front of about 150 friends and family, put them away early and efficiently. The Clippers led by 34 briefly near the end of the third quarter, 84-50. Some particularly garbage-y garbage time made the final score a little loss lopsided.
Paul finished the game with 18 points and 14 assists in 30 minutes. In the third quarter when the Clippers really started rolling, he was doing pretty much whatever he wanted. I can't be certain, but it seemed as if he was diagramming plays -- not calling pre-set plays mind you, but designing them on the fly -- as he was dribbling into the front court. He'd say something to Blake Griffin, point him to a spot, and then a few seconds later would loft a lob pass toward the rim that Griffin swooped in to try to dunk (he happened to miss that one, the force of the miss carrying the ball into the third row of the arena). Paul knew that DeAndre Jordan was keyed up, and orchestrated a lob dunk for him moments later. The behind the back bounce pass CP3 delivered to a trailing Griffin for a monster dunk was as clever a pass as you'll ever see.
It's hard to know what you take away from a game like this. This Charlotte team is a different level of bad. You know it's a bad team when Ralph Lawler and Mike Smith are openly discussing if it might be the worst team ever. Those guys have seen plenty of bad teams, and covered entire seasons for a few of them. But the Bobcats are as bad as we've seen for awhile. At least right now they are. So you expect to get the win, and you move on to the next game.
Griffin finished with a 21 and 10 double double. Five of his seven field goals were dunks. He was 7 of 8 from the free throw line, continuing that very positive trend. Since introducing three rhythm dribbles into his pre-shot routine, he's 22 of 27, 81%. Many things will change for the better if Griffin can be an 80% foul shooter.
Jordan bounced back from a couple of lackluster games with 11 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks in 24 minutes. I'm not sure what triggered it, but he got pretty upset with Bobcats rookie Bismack Biyombo in the third quarter, but took most of his frustration out on the rim on that lob from Paul.
Caron Butler scored 16 points on 8 shots, making 4 of 7 three pointers. After a couple of games where he was ice cold from deep (0 for 6) it was nice to see him dialed in. It may not have been needed against Charlotte, but it will surely be helpful against Dallas on Monday.
The blowout allowed the Clippers to rest their starters some and play some of the end of the bench guys (though a 10-0 Charlotte run to open the fourth quarter did get Paul and Griffin back on the court for a few moments). Eric Bledsoe made his second appearance of the season -- and picked up 5 fouls in 12 minutes. Bledsoe also managed two points and two assists, and showed some of the promise that he exhibited last season, but mostly it was just good for him to play extended minutes in an NBA game. He needs to get the rust off, but he'll be needed before this season is over.
The Clippers move to 4-1 on the road trip with a last stop Monday in Dallas. They should be about as fresh as a team can be on the final leg of a six game, 11 day, cross country road trip. And you can bet the competition will be better.
0 recs | 99 comments
A shame the Clippers don't get to play against the Bobcats and Wizards more..
It’d let the starters rest and the team practice whatever they feel like practicing.
UC.Clipper - February 11, 2012
jr smith just tweeted he will be back in the US feb 15.
does that mean he can sign next week? did they miss the playoffs?
nauticazn25 - February 11, 2012
yes they missed the playoffs.
chrisd - February 11, 2012
i wonder if he tanked haha
nauticazn25 - February 11, 2012
He now may want to play for more $$
in NY with Lin.
PV Mike - February 11, 2012
Money could be the reason
But its a pro-rated amount over about 35 – 40 games. What he makes this season shouldn’t concern Smith. It should be about getting the most playing time and having the most games to make an impression on teams (playoff games). His next contract will be when he gets his $$$$
And JR and everyone else knows CP3 >>>>>>> Lin
Beasel - February 11, 2012
True. Question is: Wanna play with a proven PG or one who still is trying to
establish himself?
lovinglosangeles - February 11, 2012
Also. . .
Does he really think the Knicks will give him a starting role? With Stat and Melo coming back, that seems like enough offense for a starting unit, with Fields the 3-D guy and Lin the playmaker/slasher. I gotta believe they will ask JR to be 6th man, so the question is, is he cool wth that, and will Olshey offer him the starting 2 spot on the Clips?
cassellmania - February 11, 2012
NY already has a black hole in Melo
There’s no reason to add another possible one.
The Clippers need a black hole at times because the options otherwise are horrendous.
I would also note that JR Smith has already made some money in China. He shouldn’t really worry about money in the short term.
UC.Clipper - February 11, 2012
Happy about the win....
but i feel even worse for the bobcats! They are a horrible team! Maybe i feel bad for them because this is where the clips use to be. I just cant believe there are teams this bad in the NBA.
Bring on the MAVS!!!!
My dukie twinkles - February 11, 2012
Michael Jordan has no business running an NBA Team.
It is not fair to their fans. Maybe they will draft the Unibrow on Kentucky.
PV Mike - February 11, 2012
newsflash MJ
a better split of the BRI doesn’t help if your FO doesn’t have a clue….
BelgianClipper - February 11, 2012
My respect to the Bobcat fans. Very classy.
lovinglosangeles - February 11, 2012
well they made the game a bit entertaining...
BelgianClipper - February 11, 2012
True. The got their money worth from the Clippers
lovinglosangeles - February 11, 2012
The arena was sold out as well.. I'm betting that doesn't happen very often
shay - February 11, 2012
MJ wants the Clippers to play the Cats at home more often..Stern make it happen next season.
tenkaistar - February 12, 2012
especially for the prices the Bobcats charge
over $47 to sit at the top of the arena. Too much for a team that’s never done anything and in a mid-market city
VA Dallas Fan - February 12, 2012
That was cool.
I think we will be seeing that more in the future when the Clippers beat bad teams on the road. A lot of casual sports fans come out to see the superstars make spectacular plays. And with Paul and BG and DJ there will be some games when the Clippers can play it like an All-Star game and ham it up a bit. And that means lob city!!!!
MySDClippers - February 11, 2012
I don't think we will be seeing more of that
Other team fans are starting to hate Blake.
XXDC2XX - February 11, 2012
Not sure classy as much as just happy to see decent basketbal
Their announcers noted how they won’t see a lot of the marquee teams in the league in the city. As a result, the Clippers are definitely a draw in an otherwise depressed city for basketball.
UC.Clipper - February 11, 2012
UNC, Wake Forest, Duke
I think they’re cool with having a shitty NBA team
shay - February 11, 2012
lol
I’m not sure about THAT. It’ll help, but I don’t think that can replace the next level of basketball.
UC.Clipper - February 11, 2012
Have you seen Duke fans? lol
shay - February 11, 2012
Does anybody else agree
The outside jump shot airball Blake through up there in the first quarter was as much comical as horrible. He kicked his legged like a grade schooler.
PV Mike - February 11, 2012
still a work in progress
but they are actively encouraging that shot. So I’m guessing he hits that at a reasonable rate in practice.
BelgianClipper - February 11, 2012
It was weird
His form was all off… you could tell as he was taking it that it wouldn’t end well.
Steve Perrin - February 11, 2012
I wondered what in the world it was
Takebb909 - February 12, 2012 via mobile
Is there a vid of DJ's jump shot?
I can’t believe I missed it!
2-ScoopIceCream - February 11, 2012
the reaction of the rest of the team after the game is also quite funny
basically DJ told VDN that he hasn’t hit a shot out of the paint in 2 years and VDN said that he should try it. Blake and Paul also found it funny.
BelgianClipper - February 11, 2012
Any place I would be able to watch the vids of that?
UC.Clipper - February 11, 2012
I loved the Shaq hand stare afterwards
shay - February 11, 2012
Shoot...
I meant to mention that…. maybe I screen cap the shot chart….
Steve Perrin - February 11, 2012
Exactly why it wasn't arrogant to expect a win tonight.
Also to think so would jinx the team? Comical….
This is a bad, bad Bobcats team. Hell, Ralph straight up said this is the worst team he’s ever seen.
Arrogance? Jinx? I think not. Stop living in your fairy tale world. I’m sorry it’s just ludicrous.
dulciusXasperis - February 11, 2012
Expectations for this team are much higher than ever before given the talent we have now
lovinglosangeles - February 11, 2012
it's not aboout jinxing...
It’s about being an obnoxious fanbase. Not saying you or we are…but, I certainly remember many times my team was made fun of for being bad and I didn’t appreciate it…esp. coming from Lakers fans.
banandy - February 11, 2012
I agree. I admit I thought that Cleavland game was going to be a gimme
and look how that turned out. I just couldn’t imagine losing to a 3-23 Bobcats team with the players we have. And yet our bench could have gave it away if the starters didn’t come back in.
dulciusXasperis - February 12, 2012
that second unit was ill-conceived
much better spacing when Trey and Cook were in. Did you see that Cookie crumb drive!
BelgianClipper - February 12, 2012
still gotta treat every team with some respect
Hate to get that lacksidasical as theres always a chance for an upset no matter how lopsided it looks on paper. If anything too, just out of courtesy for their fans. I know we’ve seen plenty of bad teams and it always stung a little when you hear it from other teams.
osamu - February 11, 2012 via iPhone app
+1
UC.Clipper - February 11, 2012
Agree, never want to take a team lightly (Cavs game)
But that was a very bad team was saw last night. No way around it.
dulciusXasperis - February 12, 2012
Granted it was a blowout win, but...
the chemistry on the team seems to be at an all-time high. Mo seemed to be more engaged on the bench with Paul. Griffin, DJ and Paul just seem to be having a blast together and genuinely like eachother. It bodes well for CP3 and BG signing max deals after next season.
It would be awesome to keep those three together for the next 7 years (counting this season)!!
MySDClippers - February 11, 2012
Mo
I really find the “Mo is selfish” or “Mo is unhappy” talk baffling.
Simers obviously put words in his mouth, but I’ve seen the quotes, and they just seem like a guy being honest. More importantly, don’t actions speak louder than words? He played sick last night. He flew to a funeral and back tonight. No one would have blinked an eye if he’d taken these games off… DNP – Flu like symptoms, DNP – Personal. But no, he played because he’s a great teammate. At least that’s been how he’s behaved all season.
Steve Perrin - February 11, 2012
Rec’d
Michael White - February 11, 2012
Also Rec'd
all this unhappy talk is just started by Laker fans who want Mo.
bestclipfan - February 11, 2012
also also rec'd
i also really like the fact that he got into some serious playing shape this off season.
dan73962 - February 12, 2012
I also like the energy he brings to the second unit
His running style is a change of pace from CP3. I look at Mo as our Jason Terry-a very key component to the team’s success.
PV Mike - February 12, 2012
they way the bench cheered when Cook finally hit a shot
worth a million!
BelgianClipper - February 12, 2012
Doing well so far: Clippers road record: 4-1 Lakers road record: 2-3
lovinglosangeles - February 11, 2012
Well, Dallas won against Portland tonite
in double overtime. I hope their legs fall of before Monday’s tough game there.
PV Mike - February 11, 2012
This year I am not that impressed with Dallas. They seem a bit slower.
lovinglosangeles - February 11, 2012
Odom hitting 3s for them tonight
When he contributes along with Terry off the bench, they are a pretty tough out.
cassellmania - February 11, 2012
But as of late, it is hard to get Odom motivated
lovinglosangeles - February 11, 2012
Replace Ryan Gomes with Marqus Blakely please
teddygreen - February 11, 2012
There heads are shaped similiarly
And didn’t Gomes play for Providence? That’s pretty close to Vermont.
shay - February 11, 2012
Blakely is an athletic freak, while Gomes has a good personality
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-hVzA-36eE&feature=related
teddygreen - February 12, 2012
I thought Blakely was a 4
Michael White - February 12, 2012
played 4 in college
But he’s about 6’5". Was drafted as a wing. Uber athletic, the thinking was he could be a defender right away, and if he could develop some offense might be a decent pro.
Steve Perrin - February 12, 2012
But on a serious note, why is Gomes so bad this season? He is pretty much
non-existent, Heck, even Cookie was active tonight
lovinglosangeles - February 11, 2012
I would think it's getting rather mental
Fans aren’t helping; and to an extent that’s what separates the really talented from those who are modestly talented; the ability to shake off the mental aspects and power on.
UC.Clipper - February 11, 2012
Ok, I'm starting to become a believer in 2 things because flukes don't happen this many times in a row
Jeremy Lin is actually going to be a 15-25 ppg, 4-6 rpg, 7-9 apg player.
Blake Griffin is actually going to shoot well from the FT line.
Erik O - February 11, 2012
Someone needs to break down his new form
it is crazy what adding a little flow to his shot has done.
bestclipfan - February 12, 2012
Something About The Dribbling
helps him maintain the proper body stance. Before he started the dribble thingy he was just standing but not in a proper way for shooting. When he dribbles his body gets into the proper position for shooting.
At least that is the theory that as I recall Mike S gave on the telecast today.
Buddahfan - February 12, 2012
you are forgetting the 7-9 TO's =)
BelgianClipper - February 12, 2012
The Clippers are blazing hot!
Everyone, say it with me! “WHERE THE WHITE WOMEN AT??”
ClipperBEAST - February 12, 2012
Anybody missing Eric Gordon?
…because the Hornets sure are! What has he done to himself this time? He’s on the inactive list, played two games the first week of the season(averaged 21 points.) He’s a baller, but he’s also an injury waiting to happen, so for that reason, it was a blessing they traded him.
saxmanager - February 12, 2012
And does Eric Bledsoe need some playing time?
…he looked like he didn’t have a clue last night…talk about cobwebs!
saxmanager - February 12, 2012
Came across the quote below. It is from commercialappeal.com
lovinglosangeles - February 12, 2012
Really???
So hes going to go to a team that isnt very good, with an over hyped lin playing sub 500 teams… and an amare that wants more touches, and anthony who only wants the ball 90% of the time and says “thats not to much to ask for is it?” lol
They might have the money but a bigger role?? i dont think so… here hes a starter and here is where he will go places… im not even to sure that they will make the playoff this year… and if they do there are only 2 possible teams that will come out of the East, either Chitown or the Lebrons. Here in the west its going to be 1 of three teams OKC Spurs Clippers. Take your pick.
My dukie twinkles - February 12, 2012
I am thinking more money has to do with it more than anything
Personally, I think his personality screams out New York more than Los Angeles. If he is smart and is auditioning for more money next year, then he is probably better with Clippers. I really have no clue what JR is thinking. I hope he makes the right decision and come play in LA because Clippers are for real.
dan73962 - February 12, 2012
I think he is enjoying the attention
playing with different fan bases. Yes you are talented JR but you really are not “all that.” Just make your decision and move on.
PV Mike - February 12, 2012
Did anyone notice I've particular transaction....
….when Chris Paul had dribbled down to the left towards the baseline near the 3pt line, in what would have been the lower left of your tv screen. He then proceeded to dribble up towards the hoop along the baseline were he was met with a double team, one being g his man and the second seemed to be Mo Williams man, who left Mo wide open on the 3pt corner. As CP drive to the rim, he hit the clog and attempted a reverse lay up, while Mo stood at the corner watching. Chris was fouled and still stood on the corner starting at Chris, he had his hands at his side and never left the corner after the whistle. He just stood there and followed Chris Paul with his head as Chris walked towards the scorers table, as if to say “What, you don’t see me here wide open. For real?”
It was clear demonstration of there being a Mo Williams that’s not completely comfortable in this current Clipper situation.
I wish I could have sen his face close up because he body sure said that.
Takebb909 - February 12, 2012 via mobile
you should look at some football (soccer) matches
lots of soccer players basically go berserk when a team mate doesn’t pass it to him if he is open. Mo wears his heart on his sleeve but I think he’ll be alright.
BelgianClipper - February 12, 2012
Soccer is my first love...this was different.
You should see if you can watch the clip I’m referring to.
Takebb909 - February 12, 2012 via mobile
He's a shooter/scorer
I’m going to look at this like a wide receiver that always thinks he’s open.
yaggiefresh - February 12, 2012
but this happens so often in the NBA with more players than you think
a win is a win. let’s not dwell on one particular play and let’s move on to the next game.
Also, I think communication is important, whether the attitude is good or bad. I hate it when teammates don’t talk or speak up when there are issues. Mo should have said, “Hey I was wide open for a 3 when my guy doubled you.” Then CP3 should have said “My bad, I couldn’t find you. I will find you next time.” That’s what a good team does. They communicate and move on.
dan73962 - February 12, 2012
And thats what wins do. Bring out the best in people.
Takebb909 - February 12, 2012 via mobile
You are making something of nothing
players are left open all the time and they subsequently try and get their team mates attention and tell them that they were open.
bestclipfan - February 13, 2012
Great win for the Clips.
Good teams are supposed to beat up on bad teams.
SoCalBoltFan - February 12, 2012
I am starting to appreciate CP3 more and more each game.
At first I was kind of confused with his plodding deliberate style. But I finally realize he “just gets it.” Last year we would run out on every play that was often way more exciting. Unfortunately this translated to more fun and entertainment (many errors) than wins.
Even last night, there were a couple times he probably could have hit Blake on a backdoor jam but chose not to. He is transforming the Clips into a team and a style to be better equipped for a grinding, less possession style game in the playoffs.
PV Mike - February 12, 2012
Yes sir
When, “Every possession counts in the playoffs,” I feel pretty good knowing the best ball handler in the league is orchestrating the offense in big moments.
yaggiefresh - February 12, 2012
Lakers just stole a game in Toronto.
Definitely had the refs help them ignore the pleas for a timeout by Toronto.
UC.Clipper - February 12, 2012
My family is a bunch of Laker fans.
And they were trying to justify that BS call. If you noticed, KCAL 9 wasn’t even showing the camera angle with the coach, why? Because it was obvious that the coach was in the corner yelling for the time out. I don’t care if the player doesn’t call it, if someone with the power calls a time out, he deserves to have that time out. Just because the ref is too stupid to realize the situation, doesn’t mean the Raptors should be punished.
SurfinQ00 - February 12, 2012
That was horrible
yaggiefresh - February 12, 2012
Rasual Butler doing a Ryan Gomes impression.
PV Mike - February 12, 2012
love that bledsoe got some PT
can’t wait to see him run and gun with the bench. Bledsoe, Mo, Kmart, Evans, + leslie/thompkins is gonna be fun to watch.
flightofthegriffin - February 12, 2012
i would prefer a wing defender rather than a chucker like JR Smith, but VDN is the same coach who had Thabo Seflosha in Chicago and didn’t utilize him right. So since VDN doesn’t seem to have a concept of a defensive philosophy, the Clippers might as well get more points.
teddygreen - February 12, 2012
Don't get it ??
Been a longtime fan of the Clips, but amazed how many come on here year after year and just continually bag the coach.
kirbs - February 12, 2012
For various reasons
Regardless of that bigger picture, VDN is pretty polarizing given his lack of proven success…and how success in Chicago followed after he left. No one wants this Clipper team under-performing like that Chicago did.
UC.Clipper - February 12, 2012
Polarizing?
Polarizing means that people tend to love him or hate him. I can’t think of many who love VDN.
Steve Perrin - February 12, 2012
I think CP3 is the only player I have heard compliment VDN
and Jasen Powell.
PV Mike - February 12, 2012
ok trade CP3, he clearly is delusional
and still waiting to hear what Jason Powell has done to earn such widespread hate. Did he injury Livingstone by himself?
BelgianClipper - February 12, 2012
Here's what JP has done to earn the hate
For years, we Clippers fans have heard that so-and-so has x injury and is going to be out for a week or two. Then, 12 weeks later, so-and-so is still out. We really have no idea whether any of this is Powell’s fault or not, but the perception is that, because players tend to miss huge amounts of time for injuries that were initially reported to be minor, he must suck at his job.
boltsfan21 - February 13, 2012
Billups gave plenty of compliments to VDN
I have a feeling that VDN is pretty popular with the player, as was the case when he was in Chicago.
bestclipfan - February 13, 2012
I think he's like more on a personal level
than respected as a strategist. You’ll have a hard time finding anyone who thinks his X’s and O’s are anything above average.
His real work will come in the playoffs when he goes up against the Popovich’s, Carlisle’s and Karl’s of the world and have to make adjustments every game.
ClipperChuck - February 13, 2012
True
I guess I mean it in the way of just “give him a chance” vs. “screw it, fire his butt”
UC.Clipper - February 12, 2012
to be honest even with teams that have great coaches in our eyes
the fanbase still harps them for basically the same things as us. The Nuggets harp George Karl for his rotations, Philly their coach because he apparently can’t draw up a play to save his live, Thunders fans are ont he fence about Brooks,… .
In the end there are only a handful coaches that really seem to have an significant impact on their team. But even then Pops and Doc Rivers have teams with a core that has been together for ages with tons of experience and contains a few future hall of famers.
BelgianClipper - February 12, 2012
I wonder if Spurs fans complain about Pop
I think die hard fans will always find something to complain about as there is always room for improvement.
bestclipfan - February 13, 2012
They love him
so much he can get away with playing his stars such limited minutes and even punt some games in the process to keep them as healthy as possible. You get some leeway when you win 4 championships.
ClipperChuck - February 13, 2012
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