Two Tales of One City: Clips WIN, Lakers 0-2!
CLIPPERS 101 GRIZZLIES 92
Our Clippers started the season with a bang! And a bump! And a clank! And a scrape! And a bruise! And a push! And a shove!
The schedule gods demanded that the Clips begin this year with a win against the team they last defeated, the Memphis Grizzlies. I can't really say that these two teams bring the best out in each other, but they certainly bring out the emotion. Sports writers a lot of times like to compare sporting contests to that of a heavyweight prize fight. They usually refer to the momentum swinging back and forth and bits of athleticism and skill land on each opponent like hooks and uppercuts. When people say the Grizzlies and Clippers is like a boxing match, it's because they're throwing punches at one another. Don't get me wrong, some skill is required to score 100 points in this league, but when these two get together they're just trying to out tough one another.
This one was different (slightly).
This Clippers team is clearly a different squad from last year's. A lot of the usual suspects are still on the roster and making plays, but this is a much more versatile bunch. In the playoffs, the Clippers had to rely on Reggie Evans and Kenyon Martin to lock down on Memphis' bigs down low. They did and EXCELLENT job, but they created a near offensive void on the scoring end. With the editions of Odom, Hollins, Turiaf, and a more polished DJ, the Clippers are beginning to create more options. The maturity of DJ and Eric Bledsoe could potentially make all the difference this year. The Clippers are never going to be a low post scoring machine, but with the athletic guards and wings, the big guys should get a bunch of good looks that even they can't screw up.
People will continue to complain about this cat's big contract and lack of rebounding. People will yell and scream about his ill-advised shots and gunner mentality. But for one night he bailed the Clippers out. He scored 29 points on 10-14 shooting in only 30 minutes of playing time. He's instantly a 6th man of the year nominee and appears to be the answer to the loss of Mo Williams. Mr. Crawford has the ability to win the game with his shooting and to lose the game by missing 20 shots, but he'll keep shooting and with the talent around him, it appears he should win more times than he loses.
Please tell me he was just being Ryan Gomes for Halloween. God, this guy looks like he sucks.
Next Game: @Lakers on Friday
Prediction: Lakers 102 Clippers 89
I'm not being negative, this is just what happens in the NBA. The Lakers are getting killed for having a terrible defense. The shit the bed at home against Dallas. Then lost the 2nd game of a back to back in Portland (no one wins in Portland). Kobe and company should be just crazy enough to put together a near perfect game against the Clips. Don't worry though, the Clips will finish the year 81-1.
As always, welcome back, and GO CLIPS!
