Game 9 Preview: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
by Dave on Jan 9, 2012 10:14 PM PST
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PrintGame Time: 7:00 p.m. TV: CSNNW
Since we last saw them for Portland's first defeat of the season the Clippers have beaten up on a couple of the weak sisters of the league (Houston and Milwaukee) to push their record to 4-2. The Blazers, meanwhile, have posted two quality wins (OKC and the Lakers), a win against the Cavaliers, and a humbling loss to the Suns, leaving them 6-2. Neither of those records change the make-up of the teams to which they're attached. This is still last week's game, Part 2. Hopefully the sequel will find the Blazers compensating for the mistakes that got them beat in L.A.
The Clippers are still getting fantastic work from Blake Griffin. He's up to 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 56% shooting per game. Chris Paul isn't producing the same numbers from his prime New Orleans years (who could?) but he knows how to get his big man the ball and make him look good. In part Griffin's increased production should be yet another plank in the "Chris Paul is a Hall of Famer and among the best of all time" argument. Paul, by the by, is also shooting 52% from the field, 40% from the three-point arc, and notching 15 and 9. They are a bright, shining story for the Clips...bigger right now than their cousins and arena-mates in L.A., quite a feather in the cap of this franchise.
The underpinnings of the tale might not be able to support its glorious facade, however. The Clippers also rely upon a bevy of players who were flawed in their best days, most of which seem to be past them now. Chauncey Billups is the winner among this group...his pedigree being all but unquestionable. He's also had a nice start to the season, scoring 16 a night from his new position of shooting guard. He's shooting 36% from distance but only 37% overall, though...not exactly the first trait you look for in a "shooting" guard. His defense hasn't been good in recent years and likely won't be improved by being outsized at the two. Mo Williams doesn't have the same veteran/winning aura as Billups but his shooting percentage and defense are going better, his three-point percentage worse. The main take-away here is that the Clippers play three point guards. Their relief from this is...Randy Foye. He's also undersized, though he seems to have found a small groove offensively.
DeAndre Jordan and his Traveling Blocked Shots Show is the first of two big frontcourt stories for the Clips. He's the only center, the only guy besides Griffin at 6'10" in the rotation, and he's been giving his team almost everything they need: defense, offensive rebounding, and finishing any easy shots that come his way. He's their greatest hope for true improvement, of making a solid rather than flashy impact on the league. Caron Butler has shown decently so far. He can score when needed. His defense is passable, if not quite what it once was. His three-point percentage is quite low for the amount he takes but historically he's been a good distance shooter so that could even out as the season progresses. Utility men Ryan Gomes and Brian Cook plus rebounder Reggie Evans round out the frontcourt.
The Clippers excel in several areas offensively. They take care of the ball, share it, and generate easy shots and enough credible threats to lead the league in free throws attempted per game (though they're horrible at shooting them). They're going to use Griffin to create cracks in your defense then let everybody else slip through them. Their home run fast-breaks are as spectacular as any in the league. The Paul-to-Griffin lob play has already turned iconic.
Take the easy shots away, however, and they look average. Only Paul is a great three-point shooter, only Billups and Foye shooting decently after him. They're not into offensive rebounds so they can't make up for mistakes. Get back in transition, guard the middle of the lane, and the Clips will look plenty ordinary enough to beat.
Defense is a whole 'nother story for the Clippers, as you might expect. Jordan blocks shots. Chris Paul and still steal the ball every now and again. Griffin can body up and Butler is decent. But those are thin threads, even when woven together. They're short. They don't rebound at all. They're not as good getting back on the break as they are running out. They allow open shots. The Clips are a below average team defensively without a clear path to getting better. If you can avoid the turnover against them and get past their single shot-blocker, you should be home free.
That said, when these two teams played in L.A. the Blazers disintegrated entirely on offense. Portland went one-on-one, shot jumpers, made defending easy for the opponent. We've point out consistent weaknesses in the Blazers' attack throughout the season but THAT was an aberration. The Blazers are flawed but they aren't stupid and they aren't selfish. They just played that way in that game, not even testing the defense seriously. I don't expect we'll see a repeat of that in the near future, let alone against the same team a week later.
Of greater concern to the Blazers will be holding onto the ball and keeping the tempo crisp while still involving LaMarcus Aldridge on one end and keeping the Clippers from running willy-nilly on the other. That's a balancing act. Slow down and grind to Aldridge and you make the L.A. defense look better. Ignore him and you let them concentrate on everyone else...part of the issue from last week. Whatever shortcomings the Clippers have, the Blazers will still need to play a good game to exploit them.
Last week's loss should be ringing yet in Portland's ears. Not that they're looking ahead, but as observers we can...the Blazers also need this win to bolster the record against a possible tough week ahead. Portland should not lose this game. Get back, guard the paint, don't run a brain-dead offense. The Blazers are smart and experienced enough to do that, and should be motivated enough as well.
Check out the L.A. point of view at Clips Nation.
Enter the Jersey Contest form for this game right here.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
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I would definitely watch for Mo off the bench
His 3 point shot is off right now but he can light it up from deep if left open.
Caron Butler has also looked really good so far, though I suspect Gerald Wallace will take it to him in this game.
Cant wait, new rivarly brewing here folks as l lakers slide away.
OSU '06
GForce Crash Wallace FTW!
by TyboOSU on Jan 9, 2012 10:34 PM PST via mobile reply actions
It would be kinda cool if the fakers became the bottom feeders and our new rivals were the Clippers.
LET THE LAMONSTER ERA BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the L@kers wont be going away that easy,
not even close. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Somewhere Michael Jordan is smiling at Gerald Wallace Blazer highlights.
Revenge Game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hope Nate can find just the right balance of rest and warm up time, so that the Blazers will come out ready to go, and not dig themselves a hole that they have to climb out of.
Oh, and keep the turnovers to a minimum. PLEASE!!!!!!!!
LET THE LAMONSTER ERA BEGIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You would be better off picking a team that actually lights it up from 3pt range
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
by blacknoiseNW on Jan 9, 2012 11:41 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
CP3 and Billups can stretch the floor, as does Tough Juice on occasion.
They won’t tear it up in total three-point buckets, but will hit on over 40% of their attempts.
"I Am Mine"
The pg obsession must be in the water here.
I’m more concerned with keeping Griffin and Jordan off the glass. We couldnt keep a body on Jordan last game.
I have no worries about the Blazer perimeter D any more. Imo, 40% would not be lighting it up. Your giving Chauncey too much credit. How many games has he played so far for them, at what age ?
CP3 is CP3 but the Blazers have options at guard.
just win baby !
The way Felton plays D on the pnr, Chris Paul will be in the paint, not beyond the arc.
Griffin will be the beneficiary since LMA will be helping on Paul too often.
Strawman has never helped a team shoot over 40% from three.*
Billups is shooting setup threes, instead of pull up threes and his numbers have suffered this year.
You should know this.
*he helped Dallas do it once, but that was in limited duty b/c of the knee.
dinasour type of guys choir boys
caron butler used to play with a drinking straw in his mouth, but it got banned.
dinasour type of guys choir boys
the Clippers will?
Billups can and so can CP…haven’t watched really closely but think the Blazers have been better at defending the 3pt play than they were last year..the bar IS pretty low..but still.
This team is scary because they match up well with us.
Our Blazers have been playing terrible the last couple of games after the lost to the Suns. The good thing is in the past we would lose those games by double digits. This game will be another big test for the Blazers……
Kenneth Lewis Moore
With the way Portland turns it over in bunches
they cannot afford another slow start in this game. If average players get hot they can light Portland up as stopping the ball requires leaving guys open. Should be an interesting matchup.
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Jan 9, 2012 11:25 PM PST via mobile reply actions
And I wouldn't expect 4 to's. Not 25 either.
This ain’t your slow, uninspired Laker D though. Chris Paul is going to take some swipes. Let’s hope good Ray shows up…
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Jan 9, 2012 11:27 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
HoopData factoids
*Portland scores more at the rim than LAC (13th vs.16th) ….however, PDX is only 28th in shooting percentage at the rim (LAC are 7th). Or, PDX is fifth in number of attempts at the rim; 13th in actual production at the rim; 28th in shooting % to explain it…
Sustainable? Gotta think the Blazers will start putting the ball in the hoop more frequently, soon…
*PDX is 11th in the league in attempts from 3’ – 9’ (LAC 23rd); PDX is only 17th in FG% at this range, while the LAC are 1st…
*PDX is 27th in field goals made between 10-15’, but 16th in FG% at this range; LAC is 15th in made FG at this range – but 2nd in FG%
*PDX is 4th in MFG at 16-23’, but 2nd in FG% (and 6th in assisted % – vs. 29th in assisted % at 10-15’ range); LAC are 9th in MFG at this range, 8th in FG%
*PDX is 21st at eFG% from 3pt range, behind LAC at 16th. LAC is 13th in MFG – PDX 23rd.
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
What is your point
This is a new game play of the past just shows play of the past, and not against the same opponents. IMO, not a good comparison.
hg
nice photo, like the team a lot
that dejected Cleveland player in the background is a bit sad.
But, that’s part of the game.
Really looking for a convincing win at home against the Clips.
Somewhere Michael Jordan is smiling at Gerald Wallace Blazer highlights.
the game
If I wanted to be a little nasty toward the Blazers I’d say this is a battle between a team that has three starting point guards against a team that has three backup point guards.
OK, that’s an exaggeration. Felton will probably have a pretty good year. Plus it may not be a totally good thing to be loaded up on too much talent at one particular position like the Clippers are at PG.
With this condensed season it might be
Or at least more then one guy that has good handles; If we wanted to get tecnical we could put Crawford in against Billups and Wesley agianst Mo.
hg
Wes vs Billups should be interesting matchup...
I’d say play some Batum on CP3 to see how it goes…
#7
I'd say to make SURE Wallace gets a bucket RIGHT AWAY.
The only 2 games the Blazers have lost are the games where he had no field goals.
Clip fan here
Your analysis avoids mention of what happened to LaMarcus after Deandre was switched onto him in the third. You also fail to mention that the Clips now have Reggie (11 boards/game) Evans coming off the bench.
Having said that, the Blazers are certainly tough at home and Crash can’t lay yet another goose egg – can he?
I would say that the Clips have two players better than anyone on the Blazers, but that the Blazers have a better bench, have been playing together much longer and are tough at home.
It should be a fun game. The Clips will be better as the year wears on and I’m looking forward to a good rivalry.
"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
Blake Griffen is not better than LMA
LMA is better at shooting free throws.
LMA can catch a lob pass just as well as Blake (see: Andre Miller). He would jump higher to dunk but doesn’t need to and values his knees.
Blake’s other numbers are slightly higher than LMA’s.
And he may end up being better than LMA but he isn’t yet. And LMA may be better by then also.
LMA is better looking than Blake.
CP3 is more talented than most players in the league. Hopefully his knees will hold up.
THIS YEAR'S NUMBERS
Blake Griffin PTs23.5 FGM9.8 FGA20.0 FG%49% FTM3.9 FTA6.1 FT%63% 3PM0.1 3MA0.2 AST2.7 STL0.6 TO2.7 ORB2.8 TRB10.9 BLK0.4
PTS FGM FGA FG% FTM FTA FT% 3PM 3PA AST STL TO OREB TREB BLK
LaMarcus Aldridge PTS23.3 FGM9.5 FGA19.0 FG%50% FTM4.2 FTA5.3 FT%78% 3PM0.0 3PT0.2 AST2.1 STL1.1 TO1.7 ORB2.6 TRB8.4 BLK1.0
Um,
Blake is six games into his second year in the league. His ceiling is FAR higher than LMA. Not even close. LMA is a nice player but he’s no Blake. Sorry.
"[Fans are] not technically a lot of times savvy. They don't understand and they don't weigh issues the way that [I] weigh them."
Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
I don't think Griffin will ever be a good defender
I also wonder if his game will hold up when his body starts breaking down, which it will, the way he plays. Time will tell, but it would not surprise me to see LMA in the league after Griffin has retired.
And as noted above, he’s kind of orange
scrappy
by Honka Playboy on Jan 10, 2012 3:31 PM PST up reply actions
Another clips fan here
Regarding bodies breaking down, I think this is going to be a huge concern for a lot of major players in this league. Russell Westbrook, Blake Griffin, LeBron James, Derrick Rose… Westbrook and Griffin are going to need to learn both how to shoot, and all of these guys are going to need to learn how to perform finesse moves. Every single one of them relies on jumping really high and powering through to do what they do, but that’s not conducive to longevity in this league. Chauncey Billups is the perfect example of how a guy can last in this league and still be effective. Just look at his PER over the years. The dude just doesn’t seem to be aging normally. But that’s because almost none of his game relies on athleticism. Just like Camby, and just Kidd or Nash. Dirk will be fine when he’s old. And although I’m in LOVE with LMA’s newfound ability to take it strong to the rack (or at least it seems new to an outsider), he’s going to eventually lose that. But that’s fine because he’s got a great jumper and nice footwork.
If Blake (and the other uber-athletes) can learn how to evolve his game and not just stick to his comfort zone of jumping over the defense, he might actually be effective when he’s in his 30’s. Otherwise, he’ll probably end up injured. The influx of so many super-athletes is largely a newer phenomenon, so it’s really anyone’s guess as to how these guys will be able to stretch out their careers. As great as LeBron is, I just can’t see him being as effective as Dwyane Wade will be when they’re both 35.
Anyway, sort of a random off-topic rant, but I think it’ll be really interesting to watch Blake and LMA age.
"Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be." - John Wooden
agreed, it will be interesting
one quibble: I bet LeBron lasts longer than Wade. Wade is less reckless than he used to be, but not that much less
scrappy
by Honka Playboy on Jan 10, 2012 11:39 PM PST up reply actions
Matchups from Clippers Perspective
This is a repost from Clips Nation. Thought you guys might enjoy this analysis, or at least enjoy tearing it up ;)
This is the way I see the matchups in my own homerific, slanted way.
CP3 vs Felton
Portland has a habit of drafting point guards every year: Jack, Bayless, Mills, Johnson and Smith, so it is pretty sad they are stuck with this guy Felton. I didn’t like him in Charlotte. He actually fit in New York, but I still didn’t like him. I didn’t like him in Denver. And he is awful in Portland. He runs around like a chicken with his head cut off. Sure he’s fast. Chickens with their heads cut off are fast if you’ve ever tried to catch one (I actually did once as a kid). But they don’t really go anywhere and either does Felton. How many times does is he start one on three or one on four breaks that lead to nothing? He’s a turnover machine too. I much prefer the craftiness of Andre Miller who was their point guard the last few years.
Advantage: Clippers by a mile with the best pg in the league
Billups vs Matthews
Billups didn’t actually play in the drubbing we gave them a few days ago. They are going to find out how much he means to us out there tonight. Billlups will always be that player the other team’s fans point to and say, look, we crush your little point guard there with our 6’8" SG. Well, I will take Finals MVP Billups over their crappy SG any day. Billups creates so many problems with his shooting and "veteran savvy" (I think he actually has that term copyrighted). He’s tough and smart and always plays the opposing SG toe to toe.
Matthews I like a lot actually. He is one tough hombre. But it’s too bad he started that damn eye-google fad. And behind him is Crawford, probably the best sixth man in the league. We have Foye, who has had some good games, but is uneven so far.
Advantage: Blazers
Gerald Wallace vs Caron Butler
Keep hearing from Portland fans that Wallace should be an all-star, but in the only two games I’ve seen from him, he’s scored zero points (our game) and one point (suns game). That doesn’t seem like all-star material to me. I will give Portland fans the benefit of the doubt.
Caron is secretly becoming a solid third option on this team with his 20 point performance against the Bucks. I don’t think there’s anyone on the team (besides CP3 – does that even need to be said?) who I trust more with a long outside shot. He is the anti-cookie. Also, in the last game he completely locked down Wallace, so at this point Wallace has something to prove to me.
Advantage: Clippers
Blake Griffin vs Marcus Aldridge
I’ve watched Aldridge for several years. I’ve watched him a lot. I can tell you that despite what Portland fans may argue, Aldridge is no Blake Griffin. Aldridge is one of these borderline all-star players who is just not quite good enough to actually be an all-star. He’s the best player on the Blazers and has a great outside shot. But he’s lacking the Spark that makes a truly great player like Blake. Blake kills him with his intensity and drive and athleticism. To me there’s no contest in this battle (and it will be a battle). To use the game Skyrim (which I’ve been addicted to for weeks) as a reference, Aldridge is a grizzled Nord Knight with a battle axe and Griffin is a high flying Dragon with a fiery breath. Nine times out of ten, the Dragon goes home with a tasty meal.
Advantage: Clippers
DeAndre Jordan vs. Marcus Camby
This is the mentor vs the master, Jedi vs Jedi. I still think Jordan needs works. He’s got to figure out the right balance to blocking shots and rebounding. He should never ever get less than eight rebounds a game. Our rebounding problems can be directly correlated to his failures on the boards. He has to, has to, has to pick it up and be not just our defensive anchor but an absolute fiend on the boards. Literally, this season depends on him figuring it out.
Love Camby. Clippers never should have got rid of him. Should have signed him to a fair multiyear contract and we would have the backup we are so worried about today. Blazers got such a deal in resigning him.
Advantage: Draw!
Bench vs Bench
I am finally starting to like our bench better with Evans, the defensive gargoyle. Still, I think it’s weaker than the Blazers who probably have one of if not the best bench in the league headed up by Crawford and Batum.
Advantage: Blazers
So in the end, the matchups are 3-2-1 in favor of the Clippers. They are in for a battle tonight. The Rose Garden is a hellish place to play. Just ask the Lakers who recently got their asses kicked there a few days ago.
Final Prediction
Winner: Clippers (by 2-3 points)
Hold your breath. This one is going down to the wire. Hopefully our weaknesses of rebounding and free throw shooting don’t kill us.
the poster admits being addicted to Skyrim
and he thinks Reggie Evans plays defense or at least is a defensive gargoyle. Grain of salt, taken
scrappy
by Honka Playboy on Jan 10, 2012 3:35 PM PST up reply actions
Reggie Evans
104 career defensive rating? That’s not bad. Better than Aldridge or Griffin (both tied at 107) I guess, but it’s really not that great either. Case and point: Marcus Camby and Dwight Howard have 98 career defensive ratings. THAT’S defense. DeAndre Jordan’s dialed up his defensive intensity so far this year (101 rating, had 8 blocks the other night and averaging 3bpg on the infantile season), and he’ll be matched up on LMA. That’s the matchup to watch, if there’s going to be any defense played tonight.
"Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be." - John Wooden
DeAndre did a nice job on LMA
I have a hard time seeing how Evans rates that highly, though tonight might have been the best defense I’ve ever seen him play
scrappy
by Honka Playboy on Jan 10, 2012 11:42 PM PST up reply actions
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