Preseason Gm 1: Clippers VS Lakers

[Sofia]

Missed the game as I was away from my desk at work today, but it's good to be back.

Things are really looking up.

[jflipclip]

Best thing that I noticed was the ball movement. Last few seasons, plays would run out the shot clock and/or force a difficult shot. Much different this time, especially with shooters around the perimeter as a threat + CP3. I'm not as frustrated with the team solely because of that.

I'm still scared of how our frontcourt bench is going to perform though.

Also, sick blocks+dunks by DJ! Geebus.

[madmaxmedia]

I was at a bar, and everyone was watching the clippers. Granted it was game 1, but I think it was a sign of the times.

[Percules]

Guys, you have a nice, exciting, team over there. I think you could aim for the playoffs and I certainly wish you to do it! Two competitive teams in LA would be a sight to see.

[Shem]

I know it was one game and it was preseason, but those were some fun highlights to watch. BTW, that was a bogus "T" called on Griffin. Oh, well; it was a preseason "T".

[lalkb24]

Good luck next game.

[og15]

11 threes in the 2nd half. wow, who knew loosing our best flat out 3pt shooter in EJ would result in more shooters (in a way)

Great first signs from everyone including rookie Thompkins.

Definitely got more shooters, and not just in a way. Billups takes 5.1 threes / 36 minutes for his career in comparison to EJ's 4.9, so they are essentially the same in that regards. CP takes 2.5 and shoots a high percentage, and Mo Williams takes 4-5 and shoots a high percentage. A huge difference from Barons three point jacking.

In addition, Billups is and has always been one of the best guards in the league at getting to the line. In terms of offensive production, it's actually kind of funny how similar Billups and EJ are, even though their styles are different, and athletic ability etc is different. But they will both score a good amount from 3's and FT's, very efficient places. The rest of their offensive game though, that's where we see a divergence (Billups posting up, EJ more of a slasher, etc)

I know it was one game and it was preseason, but those were some fun highlights to watch. BTW, that was a bogus "T" called on Griffin. Oh, well; it was a preseason "T".

Yea, I think everyone kind realized that the T wasn't necessary, he didn't want to go swinging and hurt himself while landing.

One of the greatest things that will I prove the teams offense is that Billups and Chris are two of the best PGs in the league at not turning the ball over. That is one of Chris's greatest abilities that allows him to be such an effective PG. He handles the ball so much, makes a lot of great pays, but game to game will not commit many turnovers. So having two guys like that starting in the backcourt is going to preserve possessions for the team, and I prove the offense. Turnovers are the worst way to end an offensive possession.

[TheNewEra]

We need to pick up the urgency in looking for a C the player is going to be a rotation player and big part if DJ gets in foul trouble.

[Fire Mchale]

Timberwolves fan here (and San Diego Clippers fan as a kid) - I saw about half of the game last night and it was quite enjoyable to watch the Lakers have no answers for the Clippers. It's about time. Preseason or not, those guys are playing hard when they're in the game and the Lakers don't have what it takes to beat this version of the Clippers in a series. The Clips most definitely need to add depth at the 5, but that should be accomplished easily enough. You have a load of PGs that could get moved for at least a functional big.

I'm going to be interested to see how this season shakes out for Blake. When you have an alpha PG who can score and looks to incorporate the entire team in the game, Blake is going to have nights where he isn't their focus and yet they still win. I'm hoping the Wolves find a way to beat you (not likely), but I applaud a change of power in the Western Conference. It's about time.

[playaloc916]

I wasn't able to watch the second half, but it's nice to see Blake not having to put up monster stats every night, with the addition of all the new offensive talent we have. That should preserve some of his energy, and allow him to step up when necessary.

I also like the dynamic that Paul and Billups bring when they play together. When one gets cut off, they can pass to the other who will then continue to make plays and find the open man. We'll be giving up a bit defensively, but we'll make it up offensively.

And having Foye and Gomes play less minutes is really a luxury. They're obviously not elite talent, but when they aren't asked to do too much, they're definitely capable players.

And yes, we need a back up big in the worst way. I say DJ Mbenga could be alright, since we just need a big, strong player to slow down some of the other C's. We don't need scoring (would be nice though), but we need someone who won't get pushed around easily.

[mkwest]

@NBATV broadcast of Paul’s debut w/ Clippers vs. Lakers on Mon. drew 509,000 viewers - the network’s most-watched NBA preseason game ever

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