The Clippers are learning to play without Chris Paul. You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have. Paul’s teammate has been beyond prolific in his absence. Who would have ever projected they would have a greater winning percentage without Paul’s services?
ON A ROLL: The Clippers are moving on up, they are in fourth place in the Western Conference, and one game behind the Portland Trailblazers and San Antonio Spurs for the third and forth seeds in the West. They way they have been playing lately, don’t expect them to fall off anytime soon. They are getting better and better every game. The Clippers completed a road a seven-game road trip, and as expected, won more games than they lost (7-2). This is very impressive, being that they are performing at a high level without their leader. It’ll only get better when Paul returns.
DYNAMIC DUO: Jamal Crawford and J.J. Redick have been very important pieces to the Clippers offense since Paul been out. They are two different players, but yet so alike. Redick brings the intensity and energy to the lineup. Crawford brings the Oh My God did that just happen? Redick is like a successful track runner, who wins all the races. There are rarely any teams in the NBA that can slow him down; when he moves around and makes shots, it’s hard to take him out of his rhythm. He’s a pure scorer, who can’t be contained. Crawford is a bonifide basketball player. He’s known for handling the ball with care and eventually making his way to the net. Crawford can shoot from just about anywhere on the floor. He creates his own shots. It doesn’t matter how you guard Crawford, if his footwork is set when he releases the ball, it’s almost a guaranteed two or three points. Both players are offensive weapons and it’s a privilege to have Redick and Crawford on the same team. Redick is averaging 16.4 points per game in 29 minutes and Crawford is averaging 17.9 points per game in 30.2 minutes per game. You feel me?
STATEMENT: The Clippers are sending a message in the league, that they will be ready to compete come playoffs. They are becoming a bigger deal than what expected. We knew at some point the Clippers would explode, and take basketball to another level. How could they not with one of the best coaches in the league? Doc Rivers is doing a great job at coaching. He has giving his entire roster confidence. There’s not one player on that roster that doesn’t come in the game, and give 110 percent. And are making a friendly statement that Paul and Blake Griffin aren’t the only ones other teams need to worry about, they need to be worried about their entire roster. The Clippers haven’t won anything yet but it’s only fair that we give credit where credit is due; and they have been playing out of your mind basketball with their superstar watching from the sidelines. They have more than two playmakers. You get what I’m trying to say?
Tamara is a graduate of Cal State Los Angeles where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism. Tamara is passionate about covering sports. She has covered the NBA and Major League Baseball routinely for the past several years. A Southern California native, Tamara developed her skills as a sports journalist while working for various Los Angeles-based news publications.
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