Good basketball teams leverage their strengths against inferior opponents, and that’s exactly what the Clippers accomplish Friday night against Golden State.
Rather than try to match Don Nelson’s small-ball, the Clippers use their size, strength and the skills of Baron Davis to decimate the Warriors in the half-court. They also play a smart defensive game. With Marcus Camby and Chris Kaman guarding the basket, the Clippers lull the Warriors into a barrage of contested outside shots.
Game 6
7:30p PT
Fox Sports Prime
980 AM
Join us for our live interactive in-game chat below!
The Clippers’ non-starting units are a collective -56 for the young season, but reserve forward Craig Smith has had a couple of productive outings, particularly opening night against the Lakers.
Rhino bangs inside with impunity but he’s also been effective in pick-and-roll situations, particularly with Sebastian Telfair, whom Smith played alongside in Minnesota. As you can see from the video below, the two operate the scheme well:
Though transition opportunities tend to be Telfair’s strong suit, the Clips can capitalize on his vision in the half-court by running more sets like this.
LeBron James held an engaging pregame session with reporters, alternating between humor and eloquence about his impending free agency. Besides facing the Bulls, James on Friday makes his only trip this season to New York, where the Knicks are another team that could have ample salary-cap space.
“I’ve never teased the New York media by saying I’m playing for the Knicks,” James said. “I say the same thing every time. When July 1 gets here, I’m going to approach it like a businessman and the best way it fits for LeBron and his family.”