There’s always a danger in small sample sizes, but anyone looking for an illustration of how Rasual Butler improves the Clippers offense can examine the third quarter of Monday night’s game. Down 16 points to the Warriors at halftime, the Clippers start the second half with a lineup of…
- Baron Davis (PG)
- Eric Gordon (SG)
- Rasual Butler (SF)
- Marcus Camby (PF)
- Chris Kaman (C)
The Clippers rip off a 15-3 run in the first four minutes of the third quarter. At one juncture during the spurt, they score on six consecutive possessions, and they don’t yield a field goal to Golden State until the 5:20 mark of the period (on a Andris Biedrins tip-in of a Chris Kaman’s blocked shot on Monta Ellis).
The first couple of possessions of the half are bumpy for both teams. Butler and Gordon find themselves at the same spot on the perimeter in the first half-court set, and then Butler fires an off-balanced runner on the second. But once the Clips settle down, the offense begins to hum — something that can be attributed directly to Baron Davis.
The brimming optimism surrounding the Clippers features multiple storylines. For all the fanfare over Blake Griffin and the congratulatory nods to the front office for turning over the roster, the restoration of Baron Davis could emerge as the most compelling narrative.
When Baron, bringing the ball up the court, sees Monta Ellis lollygagging his way back on defense, he shifts into high gear and gets to the rack. Biedrins, who is guarding the basket, has only one course of action: Foul. Baron drains both free throws.
As Ellis collects the rock and pushes it ahead, Baron pressures him in the backcourt all the way up the floor. When Biedrins sets a high screen for Ellis, Baron fights it off, ultimately poking the ball loose and getting himself a layup.
On the next Clipper possession — with Ellis giving him all kinds of space along the arc (credit Kaman for running some interference) — Baron can’t resist the 3-off-the-dribble, but nails it. Then, Baron slaps another ball away from Ellis in the backcourt, diving after it and drawing a foul in the process, a sequence that earns him an ovation from the crowd.
Coming out of the timeout, the Clippers settle into a half-court offense. Kelenna Azubuike draws Butler on the perimeter, and it’s here you begin to glimpse how Butler’s presence complicates decisions for the defense.
Butler holds the ball along the arc on the right side, waiting for Eric Gordon to swing around a Marcus Camby screen and land at the top of the circle. When Eric arrives at that spot, Butler dishes the ball over to him. Azubuike instinctively begins to move off Butler to help out Anthony Morrow, who’s trailing. But Azubuike hesitates to leave a sharpshooter like Butler, which gives Gordon just enough space to drain a 20-footer.
After a Davis-Kaman S/R generates an improbable Marcus Camby 3-pointer, the Clips go right back to that S/R again. This time, Butler sneaks behind the action, setting up at the top of the arc. When Azubuike drops down to lend help on Davis’ penetration, Baron kicks the ball out to Butler, who drains the 3. Butler hits 5 of 7 of his 3-point attempts on the night.
As the third quarter progresses, a coherent offensive philosophy begins to emerge for the Clippers. We see it at the 6:37 mark — another quick, high slip screen on the left side with Davis and Kaman. Baron dishes the ball on the button to Kaman in motion, and the instant the weak side help overcommits, Chris whips a pass cross-court to a wide open Butler, who drains yet another 3.
Success breeds success. Because a minute later, Baron storms downcourt again with Chris for an early, high S/R. Azubuike has learned his lesson — he’s not about to leave Butler alone on the arc this time. The result? With open space in front of him (because the help has stayed home), Baron penetrates directly past his old teammate Biedrins, taking it all the way to the hole to give the Clippers their first lead since 7-6.
This discussion demands all kinds of disclaimers: It’s preseason; the Golden State Warriors are a horrendous defensive team; Rasual Butler won’t hit at a 71 percent clip from beyond the arc all season.
But for every qualifier, there’s a legitimate rationale: Spacing matters, and a team can best capitalize on that spacing when it has a motivated point guard who can penetrate and see the floor. Giving that point guard two capable wings on the perimeter helps him do his job.
“[Butler] stretches the defense,” Davis said after the game. “His shooting ability and the way he catches fire … and then you’ve got Eric Gordon over there, another phenomenal scorer you’ve got to pay attention to. It just makes it easy. I know where to find them.”
Lost in all this is Chris Kaman. Barring injury, Chris will be setting more high screens for Baron Davis than anyone else. Monday night, Kaman again executed the frenetic early action Baron likes to run. It’s a different flavor of pick-and-roll offense than the deliberate, but crisp Cassell-Brand side screen-roll. That was orderly, whereas Baron likes to wreck havoc.
If Chris can clear space for Baron, then either roll to the hoop, find a spot for himself from 15-17 feet, make that pass out to Gordon or Butler on the perimeter, or just draw his man away from the basket, then the Clippers’ offense has the potential to be very efficient.
If, and only if, the right personnel is in place.
33 Responses
one of my favorite sequences of the game was kaman setting two monster screens in the same play, for Davis, knocking two warriors to the ground….also I think the 6th man role is something that thornton should learn to embrace. He could be that energy guy off the bench that can turn a game around
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 6:58 am
I was hoping to get my first glimpse of Craig Smith last night. Anyone know of why he didn’t play?
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 8:04 am
It was great to see this group together last night.. I had no idea how great Butler can be….
I still hold strong to my prediction of us beating the Lakers in the Season Opener… Expecially after seeing this sqaud .. and the way they are playing the starters together in pre season.. the new attitude that has spread to the team!!!
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 8:56 am
Great post–haven’t seen any of the preseason myself but CB is building my excitement
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 8:58 am
I agree w the above note suggesting Al T. will be losing his starting job. Sort of reminds me of the Lakers and Ariza.. he was good and helped but there is somebody else who will start over him if hes still around….. This new guy Butler we have… sheez…he seems much more naturally athletic and a scorer vs Thorton…I have been bashed last year on the ESPN boards
(Whatever happened to them?) for not being as big on Thorton as many of the fans.. sort of feel vindicated now .. we need stronger athleticism /scorer at that spot.. But also watch out for Griffin.. who may end up in that slot as well occasionally…………
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 9:05 am
Somebody tell me about Craig Smith? is he a baller?
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 9:06 am
This Roster is Deep Deep and gets Deeper!!
Love it.. Seriously best roster we have had since back in the days of Charles Smith !!!!
Much better than the team we had that hit the playoffs few years ago for sure !!!!!
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 9:09 am
I was hoping to see Craig Smith as well and I’m surprised and disappointed that he didnt see any minutes. I would think he could have an absolute field day against a team like the Warriors. The only rationale I can come up with – and I somehow doubt that this was Dunleavy’s actual reason – is that Craig Smith probably doesn’t need the “warm-up” minutes to get going before the season the way guys like Griffin, Kaman, and DJ might. Craig Smith already knows exactly what his game is and how to play it. The other guys I think are still figuring out how they fit. I seriously hope that Dunleavy does not see Craig Smith as having the same usefulness as guys like Skinner and Novak. In truth I think Craig Smith is our most polished offensive player. Yes, even more so than Kaman.
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 9:12 am
I did some Research on Butler.. Been in the league 7 years…..t seems that last night may have been a freak situation. He usually averages about 11 points a game last year and mainly a 3 point Specialist.. if he keeps up what he did last night he will be a starter but it seems the chances of this are slim.. looks like Al may be reprieved as the starter in the long run….!!!! Thats too bad cause I loved what i saw w Butler last night!!!
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Gotta love Clipper Daryl yelling MVP for Griffin. I didn’t know the NBA awarded a preseason MVP or was he talking about the summer league? I remember last year Clipper D yelled MVP for Barron at the start of the season and look what happened. Yeah, I jinxed it, but people don’t like me on here anyway.
Dunleavy the genius GM, has a starting lineup that contains no new players from a team that won 19 games. Now there’s a little controversy with Rasual Butler. I care about as much as looking up at the preseason scoreboard. Great GM work is adding a Kevin Garnet or Pau Gasol, not fixing your salary screwups. One good note in the broadcast was Lawler(I think it was him) saying Phil Jackson doesn’t care about winning preseason games. Wasn’t it Dunleavy who got a T during a preseason game last year.
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John R. Reply:
October 13th, 2009 at 9:33 am
It must be weird, as an alleged fan, to have your joy tied to “your” team failing.
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FireDunleavy .com Reply:
October 13th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Yeah, it’s not fun. I like the Raiders too. Maybe Al Davis can buyout Dunleavy’s contract and hire him as the Raiders head coach. Going to start following the Cavs this year actually (cus of Shaq). Probably won’t be posting much anymore, or at least until after the season starts.
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Clipper Derrick Reply:
October 13th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
I appreciate Clipper Darryl’s enthusiasm, but the MVP chants were a little embarrassing to me.
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 9:29 am
BASICALLY, what KA is saying is that Thornton needs to be benched.
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J'Rock Reply:
October 13th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
I completely agree!!! Are we the only ones who see this?! Thornton is completely lost out there! His basketball I.Q. is worse than Eric Dampier
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 9:34 am
It suddenly makes sense- FD is Elgin Baylor
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Cappy Reply:
October 13th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Nice one.
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Just found out that Craig Smith was held out with soreness in his knee and groin as a precaution. Sounds pretty minor. Relieved to see Dunleavy wasn’t just benching him for the sake of it.
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 10:36 am
It’s great to see the clippers have a fantastic third quarter. If I remember correctly they lost a lot of games last year in the third quarter alone. I’m thinking they have a good chance of upsetting a lot of teams this year and might even make a run for the playoffs. They are definitely going to be a sleeper team this year. I got season tix this year so I’ll be there to support as much as I can. If anyone wants to go to a game hit me up and we’ll work something out.
biggiepureversed@yahoo.com
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 11:14 am
Great preseason game last night. Just a few observations…
1. I actually felt a bit of a buzz in the air. Not like last year’s dead games.
2. Griffin is definitely one of those guys will do all the dirty hustle work down low.
3. Griffin doesn’t set the best screens yet, but when he starts to… Dangerous!
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D.J. Foster Reply:
October 13th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Loved the hustle last night- Griffin is going to create a ton of extra possessions. He took two charges last night and kept some rebounds alive. Those bonus turnovers created and offensive boards will produce 4-5 extra possessions, and a lot of times that can be the difference between winning and losing.
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Just to clear up any confusion, Craig Smith wasn’t active last night because of some soreness with his knee and groin. He’s day-to-day. If he was healthy, he would have seen minutes.
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
If Baron can stay healthy and the way Butler continues to shoot the 3-ball, the clippers will really make it interesting against Lakers opening night.
What were the Hornets thinking trading Butler!!!
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D.J. Foster Reply:
October 13th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
They were thinking about the 8 million they saved by moving him. Nice to be on the winning end of a trade that’s made for financial reasons though huh?
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
It bodes well for the season, when two guys who are expected to make big contributions, didn’t even play. We don’t need 27 from Butler every night, as many others have said, Barron is the key and they also have to play great team defense. I am excited, and it’s Hip to Clip
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Lawler and Smith are paid to sell tickets but their gushing over Griffin was ridiculous las nite. This kid has marveloous athleticism no doubt, but as an all around championship style player he has a long way to go. His effort on the defensive end is laughable. How a guy who has no clue what a defensive stance is or how to do a basketball slide or help defense can play for a purist like Coach Mike will be fun to watch. And what position will he guard? He is not long enough to defend the elite 4 or 5’s, and with his footwork will get torched by any decent 3.The one thing Griffin excels at already is trying to ref the game as he did last nlte with the replacements. Clip Nation-please don’t hold your breath praying this guy is a Kobe or Magic because he is not.
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SamMays Reply:
October 14th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Kobe and Magic are guards… The best comparison I can find is Karl Malone and Griffin reminds me very much of a young Malone… Only Griffin appears to be even better and more athletic that Malone was his first few years.
He is not going to be a marginal player. He’s going to be an all-star.
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
We are not looking for another Kobe or Magic, but an Elton Brand, would be nice.
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Wow, finally a fun game to watch. Baron showed some fire, Kaman looked solid, and Griffin showed a lot of hustle. Thornton played well but I think his role needs to be bringing energy off the bench. Butler just fits better chemistrywise and is obviously a better long ball shooter. Last year’s team would have given up in the second quarter in the regular season let alone the preseason. Great to see Baron not let that happen.
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
I went to the game last night, and it was one of the best games I see from the Clippers. I hope it keeps on going in this direction. I think one of the best moments that happen in that game was Baron Davis block against A. Randolph (even though it was called a foul) and that alleyoop pass from BD to Eric Gordon. If the Clips keep on playing like this, then we have a fighting chance to win the season opener against the Lakers or at least make it interesting.
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Second quarter was ugly but the second half was great, especially the 3rd Q when the guys came out with a purpose and crushed the Warriors.
My one and only worry is that if we have to go it without Baron and Telfair at any stretch during the season we are SCREWED big time!
This is why Ramon Sessions needed to be a Clipper – to fill that last potential hole we have. 3 deep solid at PG would’ve made us near invincible. Not to mention that Ramon could’ve also backed up the 2 instead of Bricky Davis who still looks atrocious and useless.
I hope we avoid the injury curse this year – this team could be very special indeed.
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
i like that Baron pressured Ellis in the backcourt.
More of that is always good. That really screws with a guards head.
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Posted on October 13th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Just beat the Fakers on opening night and the rest is gravy!!!
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Posted on October 14th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
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