After long overdue changes in the team this season, fans can finally get excited about watching this team perform to its full extent. For starters, they have managed to acquire all-star guard Chris Paul into their roster. This decision has proven to an one of the best moves this team had made in years. Not only did it add a threat to the frontline, but it also added a compliment to Clippers star player, Blake Griffin. In fact, during their first game against the ever dominant Lakers team, they have managed to beat the odds winning 114-95. The team lead by Kobe were no match for the awesome tandem of Paul and Griffin. Even if Paul and Griffin only scored a combined 29 points, they squashed the opposition in a convincing fashion. Fans finally get the chances to see their team become a NBA powerhouse. I know that I can’t wait to use my Clipper tickets for their next game.
Since the Chris Paul trade, their record has greatly improved. They’ve maintained the third spot on the Western Conference with a record of 19W-10L. Over the last few weeks, they have managed to beat some of the more dominant teams. Last January 11, the Miami Heat lead by James, Wade, and Bosh were no match for them, they won 89-95. On January 30, the OKC Thunder visited Staples Center in the hopes to increase their lead in the Western Conference. The young team, led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, were able to score 36 and 31 points respectfully. The final outcome still favored them, 100-112..
The team roster is definitely deep in terms of firepower. This is a good thing to have in such a short season where up to 3 consecutive games can be played. We know Chris can deliver the goods; Blake can be a dominant force on the inside, scoring throw downs; DeAndre can be a go-to-guy, Mo Williams can shoot from a distance, and now with new addition Kenyon Martin, the team’s big men are going to be real tough. Overall, the team is looking good!
Defense-wise, they are now a force to be reckoned with. Blake’s presence inside already provides a threat to the opponents. Not only can he score, but he can grab loose balls and block with authority. As for DeAndre Jordan and Kenyon Martin, we already know they are monsters in the paint because of their great rebounding and defense.
Now that the All Star weekend is just around the corner, CP3 and the “Blake show” have proven again their worth by being selected to represent the Western Squad. There was no doubt in my mind that they were going to be selected. They compliment each other so well that it’s only suitable to recognize their contribution to their team and the NBA league.
The Clipps may have all the tools but one aspect that they need to work now is the team’s chemistry. Since there are a couple of players who are new to the team (CP3, Billups, Martin), a new system and philosophy are needed to be practiced. They have to work hard to reach that certain level of playing fluidly. This can only be made possible through years of playing together. The team is still young compared to other teams, but the way they are playing now shows their vast improvement. Still they have to learn how to gel together as a team in order to join the other legitimate powerhouse teams in the NBA.
The team’s next game will be on the 22nd against the Golden State Warriors. As for pre-game analysis, the Clippers must limit the scoring tandem of Curry and Ellis. The frontline will need to have fresh legs because these guys are so shifty. It’s a pity that Chauncey Billups won’t be able to play because he had undergone a surgery for the torn achilles tendon, and will be out for the rest of the season. In this case, the guards must step up. Paul must be able to provide his usual game and Randy Foye and Eric Bledsoe must be able to provide quality minutes. The big men on the other hand, only needs minor changes because they are already equipped on the inside. Coach Vinny must able to shuffle his men efficiently to win the game.
This team has gone a long way from being just “another” LA team, next to the Lakers. Their chances of toppling Dallas to compete for the world title is now becoming a reality. With the team’s chemistry building more and more with each game, there’s no doubt that they will become another dominant team.
