Posts Tagged ‘Lob City’

Clippers stumble, lose ground in West

The Clippers shrunk a once 15-point lead to just three in the final two minutes, but couldn’t quite pull off the comeback, losing 94-85 to the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Clippers never got going on offense early on. Coming into last night’s game, Randy Foye had been red hot, hitting 24 of his last 54 3-pointers and scoring 20+ points in four of the past six games. But last night Foye was forced to take some some bad shots early on to beat the 24-second clock and never got into a rhythm. Finishing just 5-17 from the floor and 1-7 from downtown, Foye scored just 11 points. The other Clippers shooters didn’t fare much better: Caron Butler shot just 2-7 for 5 points, and Nick Young shot 0-5, putting up a goose-egg in the points column. As a team, the Clippers were flat all night, shooting just 40 percent from the floor, and 4-18 from beyond the 3-point line.

Though Chris Paul finished with 21 points, nine of those came in the 4th quarter when the game was all but out of reach. Frustrated with a non-call early on, Paul picked up his 8th technical foul of the year, which puts him in the top 10 in the NBA in that category. The Clippers looked lost on offense all night long, and it’s no wonder looking at the box score that Paul had his lowest assist total of the month so far.

The other Clippers all-star, Blake Griffin, had another solid first quarter, hitting two 18-footers early on and scoring 8 of his 19 points in the first quarter. But Memphis did everything right against the Clippers big man the rest of the game, keeping him off the glass (6 rebounds for the game) and preventing him from any of his trademark monster dunks that have routinely given his team momentum.

For the Grizzlies, big man Marc Gasol showed Lob City why he made his first all-star team this season, scoring 18 points, grabbing 8 rebounds and dishing out 7 assists. His consistent and fluid play on the post makes him a constant threat, and his passing last night made reminding Lob City fans of what Blake Griffin had been doing great the past few games. Unlike Lob City, the Grizzlies were able to move the ball well all night long, make their open shots, and consistently hit the offensive glass for second chances.

Defense has been Clippers Achilles heel

It almost became routine for the Clippers to force a shot to beat the 24-second clock, constantly putting their shooters like Foye and Butler in tough spots. You can either blame Chris Paul for failing to get in the lane early on and set his shooters up for better shots, or you could credit a tough Memphis Grizzlies team for doing what they do best, play tough defense. Holding the Clippers to just 60 points through the first three quarters, it reminded me of what the Boston Celtics have done so well for years and what has helped them rise in the standings the second half of the 2012 season. It’s a tough defense that will give you a chance in any game, no matter how well your offense is performing. In games like last night’s, when their shots were falling too, it’s no wonder Memphis was able to open up the lead to 15 in the third quarter.

Yet despite a flat performance on both ends of the floor, the Clippers made a late 4th quarter run. Highlighted by another solid 4th quarter for Chris Paul, who now leads the league in most points in the final three minutes of the 4th quarter (Kobe Bryant and Russell Westbrook are numbers two and three), the Clippers pulled within three points with just over a minute to go. Yet a tough defensive stand was squandered when Rudy Gay (16 points, 6 rebounds) beat Caron Butler for a backdoor layup on a beautiful dish by OJ Mayo (13 points, 5 assists off the bench). The bucket put Memphis up by five and ended the chance for the Clippers to steal a victory.

Another solid performance by Eric Bledsoe

Clippers backup point guard Eric Bledsoe had another strong outing in 21 minutes. Bledsoe once again came in and energized the Clippers when they needed him most, hitting a three pointer, making a huge block, and consistently running circles around Memphis on offense during his time on the floor in the second half. Finishing with 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, a blocked shot and a three pointer, it makes you wonder why the Clippers don’t put him out there more, especially in games where their offense is flat, and their defense isn’t holding up.

Bledsoe is a unique talent that can not only energize the group and help build momentum, he’s also does a bit of everything, including play a whole lot of defense, something not many Clippers can claim as a strong suit. The Clippers have a great offensive team with many threats and are tough to stop once they are in a rhythm. But when they are not, they simply don’t win many ball games.

Using Bledsoe more often early in the game, especially as a defensive stopper and momentum builder is something that can only give them a better chance entering the playoffs. With veteran Mo Williams still sidelined with a sprained toe, now is the chance to give Bledsoe the minutes he will need to build his confidence, find his role on this Clippers team, and really be able to make a difference when it counts.

Lob City spanks Kings and pull within half game of Lakers

Lob City was hot from the opening tip in this one, never giving up the lead and beating the Sacramento Kings for the second game in a row, 109-94.

Blake Griffin had another monster game, leading the way with 27 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists. It would have been easy for Griffin to respond verbally to Sacramento center, DeMarcus Cousins, who had some not-so-kind words about Blake after Thursday’s loss to the Clippers. Cousins called Griffin a “baby” and an “actor,” but rather than chime in with words of his own for the 21-year-old big man out of Kentucky, Griffin let his play speak for itself. He scored ten points in the first quarter, was relentless on the glass all night long, and played the first 16 minutes of the game, never giving Cousins a chance to dominate the Clippers second unit.

Though he had a few slam dunks throughout the night, the Kings kept the Lob City all-star from making any of his trademark jams through much of the game, which always gets the Lob City fans out of their seats and shifts the momentum. But that all ended in the fourth quarter as Lob City put up these back-to-back alley-oop jams:

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Chris Paul’s 15 dimes pushes Lob City past Suns

Lob City struggled throughout much of the game, but Chris Paul anchored his team to a 103-86 win over the Phoenix Suns. Paul had 15 assists in this one, to go along with 15 points and 5 rebounds. His counterpart for the Suns, Steve Nash, also had 15 assists. But with just one point on 0-4 shooting, Nash was on and off the floor in the second half and failed to help the Suns find a rhythm on offense. Paul on the other hand was steady all night, helping Lob City to their third straight win and keeping the Clippers in the 4 slot for the Western Conference playoffs.

Blake Griffin was a monster all night for Lob City, scoring 27 points and pulling in 14 boards. His best stretch was a set of back-t0-back plays including a beautiful pick and role jam with Chris Paul that sent Suns forward Channing Frye looking for cover, followed by a steal and alley-oop dunk with aforementioned CP3:

Griffin was calm, cool and collected all night long, having fun and getting the entire team into it by the end of the night. He managed to stay off the free throw line (1-3) and instead used his quickness and strength to get to the basket and create shots for himself all night long. He seems to be getting quicker and more confident with the ball each and every game. If he keeps improving at this pace, learning how to put up 20-30 points consistently each night, it will really give Lob City a chance at a title this year.

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Lob City dismantles Hornets for second straight win

Lob City Clippers put the hammer down early last night on the New Orleans Hornets, opening with an 18-2 run and never looking back, beating the Hornets 97-85. The Clippers made their first seven shots of the game, and though cooling off soon after they never lost their lead. Blake Griffin led the way with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Griffin seemed to be playing with some extra intensity, perhaps due to Jason Smith‘s ugly tackle on him a few nights ago in New Orleans, which had Smith sitting out his second game of his two game suspension. Griffin was solid on the boards, passed the ball well all night long, and had a couple of awesome offensive plays, including this one which had the crowd at Staples Center roaring:

Chris Paul was dominant once again, ending the game with a game-high 25 points, adding 10 assists and 4 steals. It was Paul’s 57th straight game with a steal. Perhaps the prettiest play of the game was when Paul pulled down a rebound, pushed the ball up the floor and lobbed it up for a Blake Griffin alley-oop, something that was routine the first half of the season.

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Lob City blows lead against league-worst Hornets

Lob City scored just 11 points in the fourth quarter, blowing a 13-point lead and losing to the New Orleans Hornets 97-90. The Clippers led most of the way, but eventually lost their lead early in the 4th quarter, during a stretch with starting point guard Chris Paul sitting on the bench. Paul had 16 points and 9 assists, but struggled from the floor (5-14 FGs, 1-5 3-PTs) and got in foul trouble late in the game. Playing only in spurts in the 4th, he had trouble hitting his shot and wasn’t the catalyst he has been late in the game this season.

Instead it was Hornets point guard Jarrett Jack who controlled the pace and helped his team passed Lob City. Jack, coming off a triple-double yesterday in Golden State, had 17 points in this one, to go along with 9 assists and 4 rebounds. Hornets center Chris Kaman proved why he is considered to be among the league’s toughest big men. He battled with Blake Griffin (21 points, 11 rebounds) and DeAndre Jordan (14 points, 9 rebounds) all night, finishing the game with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks.

Scary play for Lob City star Blake Griffin

Lob City fans held their collective breath in the fourth quarter when Hornets big man Jason Smith crashed hard into Blake Griffin going to the basket:

Griffin was shaken up and took a few minutes to regain his composure as the officials checked the replay, but he was OK. Smith, who had been dominating Lob City at the time (17 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks), was correctly given a flagrant-2 and ejected.. Four Lob City Clippers led by Chris Paul followed Smith into the crowd after the play, but were group was broken up by officials and security before anything more serious could happen.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Smith is suspended, especially in light of what is going on right in town with the New Orleans Saints. It was a dangerous play, and Smith even delightfully rallied the Hornets crowd after his ejection. There’s no place in the NBA for players like this.

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Lob City continues to struggle

Lob City Clippers continue to struggle the second half of the season, getting blown out by the Oklahoma City Thunder last night 114-91. Blake Griffin never got going in this one, scoring a season-low seven points on 3-11 shooting. Lob City has lost two in a row and six out of their last 10 games, and now trail the Los Angeles Lakers by a game and a half in their division.

Oklahoma City, on the other hand, showed Lob City why they are the number one team in the West. Led by star Kevin Durant (32 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists), they beat the Clippers up on the glass, out-rebounding them 49-32. They shot 54% from the field, hit on 21-22 free throws, and shot 40% from beyond the 3-point line.

It’s hard to beat anyone when they shoot that well. But if Lob City hopes to contend for a title this year, they are going to have to do better than they did last night.

Coach Del Negro to blame in Lob City?

According to ESPN’s Chris Broussard, Lob City players are not happy with Coach Vinny del Negro. Broussard quotes one source saying, “Vinny has lost the team. They don’t want to play hard for him.”

This was clear to fans last night, as we watched the Clippers fall behind by 16 at halftime, only to lose by 23 points. Lob City did make a run in this one. They entered the 4th quarter trailing by 17 points, but thanks to an 8-0 run led by new addition Nick Young they had the lead down to nine early in the 4th quarter.

But after a Russell Westbrook layup with 9:30 left, Vinny Del Negro replaced both Nick Young and All-Star Chris Paul (10 assists and five steals in the game), putting in backup Eric Bledsoe for Paul at point guard. Bledsoe, though incredibly talented and showing more and more improvement lately, had only played five minutes the entire game up to this point. Paul never saw the floor again, and the Thunder went on to outscore the Clippers by 12 the rest of the way.

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Lob City adds Washington’s Nick Young at trade deadline

Lob City made a huge pickup today when they facilitated a deal between the Washington Wizards and Denver Nuggets, which sent center Nene to Washington in exchange for centers JaVale McGee and Ronny Turiaf. Trading Nene opens up some cap space, as the Nuggets were set to pay him $13 million a year for the next four seasons. He brings some veteran leadership to a Wizards team with a ton of young talent. McGee is a better defensive center, and should provide the Nuggets with some great defense for the playoffs.

But in order for the deal to work based on salary cap guidelines, a three-team deal was required for salary cap reasons, so enter Lob City. Giving up practically nothing, the Clippers send backup center Brian Cook and a future second round draft pick for sharpshooter Nick Young. A native of Los Angeles and USC alum, Young is a terrific scorer and should have a bright future in the NBA. So far off the bench this season, he has averaged 16 points and nearly two 3-pointers a game for the Wizards.
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Eric Bledsoe shines as Clippers beat Atlanta 96-82

Eric Bledsoe once again provided the Lob City Clippers dynamic energy off the bench, helping them defeat the visiting Atlanta Hawks 96-82. Bledsoe has been hit or miss much of the season, yet twice in the last three games he has picked up four steals. Tonight he added 14 points, two 3-pointers and two blocks, all in just 17 minutes.

Mo Williams, coming off the bench with Bledsoe, led the game in scoring with 25 points. He hit another three 3-pointers, and had a great all around game. If Lob City keeps getting great performances from Williams and Bledsoe, the Clippers bench could give them a chance against the best in the West come playoff time.

Lob City Clippers fall to Boston Celtics

Lob City didn’t have enough to stop Paul Pierce and the Boston Celtics tonight in LA, losing tonight’s game 94-85. Both teams exchanged the lead several times throughout the game, and the Clippers entered the 4th quarter just one point behind Boston, 62-61. Yet Boston controlled the first half of the 4th quarter, the Clippers shooting just 1-12 in the first six minutes.

Chris Paul remained silent for much of the game, scoring only 4 points the first 3 quarters. Though he scored 10 more in the 4th quarter, they are a bit misleading. Paul hit on two field goals, a 3-pointer and a pretty lay-up converted into a 3-point play. He made two pairs of free throws down the stretch, but it was too little too late. He simply didn’t command the offense as much as he has this season

Celtics should be happy with play in Lob City

For Boston, playing a Lob City team today after coming off a loss the day earlier to the Lakers, was a tough assignment. Paul Pierce struggled yesterday against the Lakers, never getting into a rhythm. Though he struggled to get going tonight as well, he eventually came up big for Boston, scoring 10 points in the last six minutes (25 points, 7 assists and 3 3-pointers for the game) to help the Celts get the win.

Boston also received some great play down low from Kevin Garnett (21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists) and Brandon Bass (10 points, 9 rebounds). Though Lob City won the battle on the boards 45 to 31, the Celtics simply out shot the Clippers all night. Boston shot 49 percent from the floor and 39 percent from beyond the arc. The Clippers only shot 37 percent from the floor,  and only hit 5 of their 23 3-point attempts. That is one of their worst 3-point shooting nights all season. No matter how well you rebound, you won’t win many games if you shoot like that, especially in the playoffs.

Jeremy Lin struggles as New York Knicks fall to Miami Heat

Jeremy Lin‘s toughest challenge since beaming in to the spotlight has been playing against LeBron James and the Miami Heat, and it didn’t go well for Jeremy Lin from the start. Shooting just 1 of 11 from the field, he had just 8 points to go along with 8 more turnovers. Miami’s big three stole the show. LeBron led the way with 20 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals. Chris Bosh had a team-high 25, and Dwayne Wade added 22 as the Heat beat the Jeremy Lin led Knicks 102-88.

Jeremy Lin not the only bright spot for Knicks going into All-Star game

Aside from a rough performance against Miami, Jeremy Lin has been spectacular since joining the Knicks lineup. In a span of 12 games, Lin scored more than 20 points 9 different times. During that time the Knicks won 9 games and are suddenly looking like one of the best teams in the East. But two other players are going to give the Knicks a great edge the second half of the season.
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