Clippers win first battle with the Lakers : My thoughts
Published on January 15, 2012 by Scott Shirley · No Comments
It was the first battle of L.A. between the new look Clippers and the Lakers. For the moment the Clippers are king as the beat the Lakers 102-94. Chris Paul , who was almost a Laker had his best game as a Clipper. He gives the Clippers to chance to win the West. Kobe Bryant continues to show that he is still the best player in the league. Here are my thoughts on the Clipper win.
- Chris Paul was the best player on the court and his play showed that the Clippers can win the West. For the game he had 33 points including 3 three pointers. Paul also had 6 assists and 3 steals. This was clearly his best game as a Clipper. He left the game late with an injury hopefully for the Clipper sake he is okay.
- Blake Griffin had another strong explosive game with a double double. He had 22 points and 14 rebounds. Griffin also had 5 assists something he is not known for.
- I still don’t understand why the New York Knicks let Chauncey Billups walk, because he still has something left. Against the Lakers he had 19 points including 4 threes. He is a great side kick to Paul.
- Caron Butler was one of the best free agent signings out there. For the game he had 13 points. He did however struggle to shot the ball he was 4 of 14 from the field.
- DeAndre Jordan was the Clippers only starter not to score in double figures. He only attempted 3 shots but he did pull down 10 rebounds.
- The Clippers won this game despite their bench really struggling. They scored 11 points and only shot 2 of 16 from the field. 10 of those points came from Randy Foye. Bench play will improve when Mo Williams comes back from injury.
- For the game the Clippers shot lights out from three. They made 9 threes shooting 42 %. They also dominated the Lakers on the glass outrebounding them by 8.
- Lakers
- Sorry Kevin Durant LeBron James; Kobe Bryant is still the best player in the league. Bryant scored 42 points in the game his 4 straight game with 40 points or more. Bryant made 14 of 28 field goals and made 12 free throws.
- Andrew Bynum had a big game with 16 rebounds but he leaves you wanting more on the offensive end. For the game he had 12 points on 6 of 13 shooting from the field. He also continues to struggle on the free throw line.
- Pau Gasol had a double double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Gasol was a team worst -15 when he was on the court.
- Beside the above 3 the Lakers will struggle to find that 4th scorer. Other starters Matt Barnes and Derek Fisher can’t get the job done. Barnes is not a scorer and Fisher is just too old.
- The only player I liked off the Lakers bench was second round pick Darius Morris, who had 7 points. He brings energy to the court. I don’t like Metta World Peace and Josh McRoberts.
- The Lakers need to get tougher they got outrebounded by the Clippers by 8.
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Tags: Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers