Charlotte Bobcats at Los Angeles Clippers preview -- Game 46

by David A. Arnott on Jan 29, 2011 11:55 AM EST

The Big Picture: The Los Angeles Clippers -- and Blake Griffin -- didn't play last night, so they're relatively rested for tonight's game against the Bobcats at Staples Center. While the Cats' west coast swing is already a success by just about any reasonable standard, it can always get better.

The Clips started the season 5-21, which may have killed their playoff run before it began, because the eight seed in the Western Conference is probably going to have to win at least 46 games, and that would require LAC to go 29-8 the rest of the way. Good luck with that.

But if you're looking ahead to 2012 (CBA willing) and beyond, Griffin might be the second or third most valuable player/asset in the league -- depending on how you feel about LeBron James and Kevin Durant -- and with Eric Gordon's emergence, they have an inside-outside combination of guys who produce plus offense. Just keep giving those guys what they need to keep getting better, and surround them with one other scorer off the bench and a bunch of defensive aces, and they should be playoff contenders, if not title contenders, for years.

Musical Interlude: Mary J. Blige and U2 -- "One"

Key to Victory: Griffin may get off a highlight dunk -- or two, or three... -- but that doesn't mean he's winning the game singlehandedly. He'll get his highlights. Don't let that distract from the scoreboard.

Detail That Might Interest .08% of You: Blake's brother, Taylor Griffin, shot 22% from three in his college career, and then, in his 32 NBA minutes, actually attempted two threes, missing them both.

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So am I the first RoFfer up...

or just the first one to post a little something?
I got up at 11 after hitting the sack at 2AM…and I can’t wait for tonight’s game. I am SO stoked about these ’Cats!

Perhaps…again this year…the West coast swing will swing us in the right direction for the rest of the season.

Gerald Wallace, tonight would be a great night to turn back into Crash, or the Predator, G-Force, or whatever you prefer. We need you on Griffin like glue. You’re the best cover for him. I PRAY that last night…you moving 5 steps slower than the rest of the team was you saving up for tonight.

Gusee we’ll see in like 9 hours…

Bobcats Basketball is my only pro sports passion...

by andrewlail76 on Jan 29, 2011 1:12 PM EST reply actions

By the first...I mean besides David...

Bobcats Basketball is my only pro sports passion...

by andrewlail76 on Jan 29, 2011 1:12 PM EST up reply actions

I've posted in other threads.

Toddlers make for infallible alarm clocks.

Hopelessly scouring the internet for a free copy of Screamin' Jay Hawkins' "Brujo." and "Hurricane Coming" by CCS.

by Newsinz on Jan 29, 2011 2:55 PM EST up reply actions

I was up at 7am

had to work this morning.

Fact: All you care about is points.

Blindly Optimistic follower of The Iowa Hawkeyes, San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Hurricanes, and the Charlotte Bobcats.

by HAWKEYESBABY on Jan 29, 2011 2:10 PM EST reply actions

I only got a little over 4 hours of sleep and I'm at work and helping folks move...

and I’d do it again to see that type of fight in a team. If you’ve seen the Clippers blob preview, you know they think we’re a JV team and that they’re extremely bitter that we’re likely to make the playoffs and they’re not because of they’re superior conference. Hope along with me that we blow out the JV Lakers tonight.

by Altheus on Jan 29, 2011 3:58 PM EST reply actions

yeah, Clips Nation's preview

had quite a few jabs against us and the Eastern Conference, lol

by Roger, Roger on Jan 29, 2011 4:34 PM EST up reply actions

i find their bitterness towards the Eastern Conference

hilarious considering they’ve only won 17 games and wouldn’t be in the playoffs in the East, either

Also, I think it’s funny they say the Bobcats suck when they have a better record than the Clips… BITTER anyone?

by adamcawa on Jan 29, 2011 4:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

And of course, they call us the Hornets in the preview...

Quick is how I flip from the tip of the lip
Punchin out hits like Gladys Knight and the Pips
-Phife Dawg

by Stevarino on Jan 29, 2011 6:23 PM EST up reply actions

One thing I was thinking about today...

Diaw was missing for a lot of the second half and overtime so I began to wonder why. In all honesty, I believe Silas was saving him for tonight’s matchup against Blake Griffin. While BG is full of athleticism piled on top of athleticism, I believe at this point, Diaw is the smarter (or craftier, more experienced, more astute, etc.) player as long as he’s motivated to play up to his ability. While watching the game last night, Diaw was playing some of the best defense I ever remember seeing from him. He was showing hard on screens, moving his feet well, staying in front of his player, and basically just playing damn good overall defense. Call me crazy, but if Diaw is focused, motivated, and playing with a nice balance of aggressiveness and nonchalance, I think he can keep BG under sontrol.

Quick is how I flip from the tip of the lip
Punchin out hits like Gladys Knight and the Pips
-Phife Dawg

by Stevarino on Jan 29, 2011 6:38 PM EST reply actions

I haven't seen Griffin play much as a pro

Tonight will be time I have the opportunity to see him play for 4 consecutive quarters. I think he is a great athlete with a respectable to good post game, but he isn’t a complete player. I am sure he will get a double double, but the Cats can still win even if Griffin reaches his season averages.

"I could never be a thug, they don't dress this well." - Malice

by Julius Coxswain on Jan 29, 2011 8:41 PM EST up reply actions