Posts Tagged ‘Mo Williams’

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.

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 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 back on track with win over Kings

Lob City Clippers picked up their first win since the All-Star break, beating the Sacramento Kings 108-100. Though it wasn’t Lob City All-Stars Blake Griffin or Chris Paul, but fill-in starter Randy Foye and the Clippers bench, that made the difference in this one. Randy Foye, who has been starting for Lob City since Chauncey Billups‘ season-ending injury, played his best game as a starter. Hitting three 3-pointers, he had 16 points to go along with 5 assists and 4 rebounds. Backup guard Mo Williams also lit it up, hitting four 3-pointers and scoring 18 points.

Lob City star Blake Griffin, who dropped 30 points in the Clippers tough loss to the Timberwolves Tuesday, had just 14 points in this one. But he did hook up with Chris Paul for this alley-oop:

His fellow All-Star Chris Paul had another solid game with 22 points and 9 assists, and 3 steals, further solidifying himself as a 2012 MVP candidate.

Blake Griffin and Chris Paul for MVP?

Both Lob City stars have had terrific years, and the Clippers are having one of their best seasons ever. In fact, the team’s current .636 winning percentage is the highest in franchise history. That being said, shouldn’t their two stars get some MVP attention?

Do Blake Griffin and Chris Paul deserve to be this year’s MVP? Who are the other candidates? Tell us what you think!

Lob City T-Shirts

Gear up for the second half of the season with Lob City t-shirts!

Kenyon Martin back as Lob City Clippers play without Billups

Kenyon Martin Back!

Kenyon Martin played his first game in a Lob City uniform last night in Cleveland, as the Clippers move forward without Chauncey Billups. Kenyon Martin gave the Clippers 20 solid minutes, with 6 points, 4 rebounds and 2 blocks. He had a put-back dunk, argued calls, picked up a $1,000 fine for a technical foul, and looked like he will provide some great energy to their second unit. But their second unit is going to need a lot more than energy if they are to help the Clippers stay in games. Last night the Clippers were -25 during their collective time on the floor.
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Lob City veteran Chauncey Billups out for season with torn Achilles

Lob City Clippers veteran guard Chauncey Billups left last night’s game in the 4th quarter with a torn Achilles and will miss the rest of the 2012 season. The team, nor their newly raging fan base, wanted to see this last night in Orlando. Billups had been a huge asset for the team so far, and as I mentioned just days ago, he was also a huge reason why the newly acquired Kenyon Martin is in a Lob City Clippers jersey as of yesterday, and not in Lakers gold and yellow.

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