GAME #66: LAC (42-23) @ NOLA (39-26)—FRI 3/15 5 PM

[esqtvd]

Gotta hold onto a top 4 seed and these kids are barking up our butt

b2b on the road, Pels are rested

[wakelaunch1]

good god Lue has gone off the deep end

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[LamarWho]

Another day, another opportunity to make a statement against one of our biggest nemesis.

[LamarWho]

good god Lue has gone off the deep end

playmaking PG = no no no
catch and shoot PG = yes yes yes

[madmaxmedia]

I posted this in the last game thread, but getting Paul into some pick n rolls and other advantageous situations with the ball in his hands is well within his wheelhouse. We have a point guard, but Paul George is way more than tall JJ Redick. As long as the decision tree is not too big (such as before we traded for Harden), Paul is still a dynamic offensive weapon.

Somewhere in between just catch-and-shoot and main playmaker is where we want him to be, the offense has become a bit stale lately with too much dependent on Harden.

[Wammy Giveaway]

Pelicans may already be resigned to their fate as a road playoff team, so they may tank this one, giving Clippers a much needed reprieve. As Williamson is a role star (two All-Star appearances), Clippers will have a hard time defeating him specifically. And they cannot handle Jonas Valanciunas with his variable skill set, supporting big man one moment, 3-point shooter and jump shooting threat the next. Forget the whole thing about one loss away from a season series defeat and fear of an automatic sweep at the hands of Pelicans should Clippers lose this, that's already well aware of.

The real fight here will be of the mind. Clippers have an identity crisis of superteam with four superstars versus being a Good Samaritan Spurs 2.0 and the trust of his role players. Look how Bones Hyland turned out when they integrated him, and it got Clippers a win to prevent another 3-game losing streak (Clippers have prevented three instances of such since the six-game losing streak sparked by the superstar trade for James Harden). Media pundits, specifically from their own base like 213 Hoops, Clips N Dip, Locked On Clippers and majority of fans, have pushed heavily for emphasis on empowering their young role players, but coach Tyronn Lue wants only the superteam and veterans at least six years experience to shoulder the burden based on an old Phil Jackson parable: "Rookies are lower than whale turds." Gregg Popovich trusts in everyone, from the superstar to-be Victor Wembenyama to the new draftees, never neglecting anyone because of some well proven proverb and the history of NBA championships won. Lue needs to be more Pop and less Doc or Phil. More willing to trust in the youth and overcome the stigma of young players equals tanking, lottery, losing team.

No matter what, this is a free game. Clippers will tie the series.

[KL2]

Looks like Leonard is playing as he’s not listed on the injury report.

Harden is listed as questionable again.

[LamarWho]

I doubt they will tank this one. They are only 2 games up from the play-in. Playing these guys in the 1st round will be the worst case scenario.

[NickP]

I think we win this one. Go Clippers!!

[Scoundreldays]

Need to win to atleast keep the Pelicans mental edge against us from going out of control

[playaloc916]

If Harden isn't 100% I think he should continue to rest and let Bones start again. Might have been a fluke game for Bones, but he looked good playing meaningful minutes and not garbage time. And a little load managing for Harden might be beneficial.

[wakelaunch1]

If Harden isn't 100% I think he should continue to rest and let Bones start again. Might have been a fluke game for Bones, but he looked good playing meaningful minutes and not garbage time. And a little load managing for Harden might be beneficial.

We never really got to see Bones with the starters. Russ was always there. I think i mentioned on this board to start Bones before Harden and I dont think it got much movement. I just wanted to see him work with the Kawhi/PG some. I would like to see a

Bones
PG
Kawhi
Kobe
Zu

Lineup
With
Harden
Mann
Powell
Coffey/Theis
Theis/Plumlee

Just to see how the younglings work with the vets and build some depth and future.

[wakelaunch1]

good god Lue has gone off the deep end

playmaking PG = no no no
catch and shoot PG = yes yes yes

I want to see him move without the ball instead of just standing on the perimeter. Cutting/slashing and shooting. Back cut Paul where he gets to have limited dribbling and just going up for a layup/dunk/close to the basket shot. And then catch/shoot Paul with great defense.

But no way being the center point of our offense where he dribbles and creates for others. Its a consistent disaster where we lose a lot of games and fail in the playoffs.

[madmaxmedia]

good god Lue has gone off the deep end

playmaking PG = no no no
catch and shoot PG = yes yes yes

I want to see him move without the ball instead of just standing on the perimeter. Cutting/slashing and shooting. Back cut Paul where he gets to have limited dribbling and just going up for a layup/dunk/close to the basket shot. And then catch/shoot Paul with great defense.

But no way being the center point of our offense where he dribbles and creates for others. Its a consistent disaster where we lose a lot of games and fail in the playoffs.

You can feed him the ball anywhere out to the 3 point line and he can make things happen because defenders have to respect his shot and its easy for him to then put the ball on the floor and beat his guy.

What doesn't work as well is if he's already dribbling back 2-3 feet behind the line, too many bad things can happen LOL.

[KL2]

We need Bones to take shots but those b2b 3’s were not good offense.

Ugly on both sides really.

[wakelaunch1]

PG showing why his handles arent tight and cant be a PG. Sloppy start by the Clippers.

[KL2]

Need the role players to step up.

Leonard and PG are doing their thing for the most part.

Leonard the only one with a high IQ on this team. He goes out and this team is straight up stupid.

To think there are people who would like to face this team in the playoffs. Not me.

Not liking Bones shot selection tonight. Gotta stop leaving Jones open. He’s not even close to yell boo at him.

Leonard still has the worst whistle in the league.

[wakelaunch1]

Lue should be cut for giving Tucker mins over Kobe Brown.

[KL2]

It’s only 6 but feels 20. No one outside Leonard and PG really contributing.

[clipperlover]

Lue should be cut for giving Tucker mins over Kobe Brown.

Except Tucker stood in there, took the charge and likely sent Jones for a concussion check.

Kobe would be getting abused by Zion. P.J. is going to go toe to toe with him. Would be unfair to subject Kobe to that.