ROUND 1 Game 4 - NOTE TIME: 12:30 PM PDT on ABC

[esqtvd]

I know race should never be an issue and that tvd didn't mean it that way. But the current environment is such that it makes it hard to criticize someone based on their abilities without looking at that person's race. It has become very complicated.

Thank you. Point here is that Doc being black [and socially active] is a plus with many NBA players.

[NickP]

I sure hope you're right. It seems like the momentum has shifted though. The Clippers hanging their heads while the Mavs are celebrating all over the court- even before the game winner. Their confidence is unfortunately growing- Hardaway and Curry in particular. Seems like a pattern for Doc's Clippers- the longer a series goes the more the role players of the opposing team start to play like all stars. It isn't my imagination is it? It seems his teams get disheartened while the opposing teams get bolder and bolder.

Is it true that Kawhi partly came here because of Doc? I know management won't want to upset him, but perhaps they should move in a different direction. I would like to give Cassell a shot, but I open to other options as well- just don't know who is available.

I don't look at this group the same way as the CP3/Blake group. That group was a bunch of divas who never really cared about each other. I don't get that sense w this squad.
If we lose tomorrow I'll be concerned. But I think blowing a 21 pt lead will light a fire under our guys and we come out swinging early on like games 1 and 4, but this time they don't let up.

I think we'll get by the Mavs, but I am not expecting a title in the end. My heart will still be rooting for then, but that's what my brain tells me.

Going in I knew we'd have our hands full with Luka and KP. Luka is the only guard with size who can turn the corner and score on the smaller guard. Dallas crates all sorts of matchup issues for us.
I do believe if we get through the Mavs we'll have learned a lot. Players and coaches included. We'd be mentally tougher. We have the talent but coaching and team should come together. Then we're unstoppable.

[clipperlover]

Been on a self imposed sabbatical because I just can't get into these games and have the same level of excitement. However, with the meltdowns around Game 4, I have to weigh in on a few items that seem to be overlooked:

1. Kawhi and PG both need to stop shooting 3s. They are a combined 24% (27 and 22 respectively). Attack, Attack, Attack

2. The first half defense has been horrendous. 58 or more in 3 of 4 games. They are scoring 30+ points in 2nd qtr every game. In Game 4, they scored 20 with less than 6 minutes to go in the half.

3. The situational awareness is lacking for many of these guys. The fact Shamet had to be directed to get back over the end line before inbounding is just inexcusable. Morris celebrating his 3 pter to give us a 1 pt lead while leaving 9 seconds on the clock in OT shows a lack of awareness. It isn't like we were playing stellar D. Not sure why Kawhi started his move that early. These players have to know we had a foul to give and Dallas had a timeout remaining. Doncic had just scored 4 points during the last minute of OT. You don't give him another chance. I would rather hit a 2 as time expires and go into Double OT than let them take another shot.

4. Not ensuring either Kawhi or PG end up on Doncic on the final play is baffling. Reggie defended as well as he could, but Doncic is still much bigger. If bench Curry son-in-law hits a game winner over Reggie, then so be it. Chances are the ball wasn't going to Curry. Why waste your 2nd best defender on Curry? Instead, we helped give Doncic even more confidence after hitting a legendary shot.

Regardless, the Clips are the better team and will win this series. Then. they are going to have their work cut out for them in the next round.

[esqtvd]

4. Not ensuring either Kawhi or PG end up on Doncic on the final play is baffling. Reggie defended as well as he could, but Doncic is still much bigger. If bench Curry son-in-law hits a game winner over Reggie, then so be it. Chances are the ball wasn't going to Curry. Why waste your 2nd best defender on Curry? Instead, we helped give Doncic even more confidence after hitting a legendary shot.

Don McLean is ok with this and Don is God. Up 1, defend the paint. Step back 27-footer. Reggie closed out pretty well. Kawhi might have got a little closer but that also risks 3 FTs. Like many of us said, tip your hat to Doncic and move on.

[NippySudz]

Trezz making threes lol