Juwan Howard may typify this current incarnation of the Blazers perfectly. While most everyone expected the Blazers to fall apart long ago, they simply haven’t. Tonight the 36 year old Howard throws down a devastating jam on Chris Kaman at the end of the first half that defies all logic, but logic just doesn’t seem to apply to these Blazers. After all, this was a Portland team who had won six of their last seven games coming into tonight despite having eight regular rotation players injured. There’s a certain level of confidence a rogue unit like this develops and carries, and when it goes unchecked it can lead to results similar to what we saw five days ago.
Tonight it’s Eric Gordon who does most of the heavy lifting in the second half (16 third quarter points, 19 total), but it’s Rasual Butler who really crushes the Blazers spirit at the 8:57 mark of the fourth quarter. Down only three out of the timeout, it’s likely Portland had quite a bit of confidence going forward. Brandon Roy had yet to make his impact felt on the game whatsoever (3 for 12, 6 points total) and the Clippers were turning the ball over with such high frequency that a big run was very possible. Let’s take a look at the series that dramatically shifted the momentum in the Clippers favor:
[8:57, 4th Quarter] – Coming out of the timeout, the Clippers set deteriorates into Rasual Butler being isolated on the right wing in a late shot clock situation. Rasual typically takes poor, off balanced shots in these situations, but he’s fortunate enough to be slightly closer to the paint than usual. After a soft attempt to drive, Rasual picks up his dribble and launches a 19 foot step back jumper. It’s good.
[8:36, 4th Quarter] – The ensuing defensive possession is solid team defense all the way around. It takes the Blazers most of the shot clock to foray into the paint, but when Jerryd Bayless gets there he’s surrounded by shot blockers like Camby and a smartly collapsed Clipper defense. A smart wrap-around, baseline skip from Bayless to the corner finds the sweet shooting Martell Webster with some space, but Rasual Butler quickly rushes to close on Webster and executes a perfect “Bruce Bowen” closeout. With both hands raised, Rasual invades Webster’s shooting pocket and landing zone. The shot misses, and Butler is off to the races on the other end.
[8:26, 4th Quarter] – A long shot attempt results in a long rebound, which results in a transition opportunity. Often times it’s the secondary break that yields points, and here Rasual Butler fills the lane on the left wing and eventually positions himself in the corner where he’s most dangerous. A good kick to the corner from Sebastian Telfair against a scrambling Portland defense finds Rasual Butler all alone. With all day to set his feet, Rasual knocks down the open three.
It’s a frantic 5 point swing that seems even quicker live. The ensuing defensive possession is a Marcus Camby blocked shot, which leads to a quirky flip from Craig Smith on the other end to push the run to 7-0 in less than a minute of playing time. With the lead to double digits and momentum on their side, the Clippers never look back.
Game Notes:
- Shot Selection: Portland executes a zone defense for a good portion of the game, and once the Clippers settle down in the second half they begin to truly exploit it. When they weren’t turning the ball over (20 TO’s) the Clippers were very selective in their shot selection and it paid off: The team shot an incredible 57.8% from the field, as well as hitting 8 for 13 from behind the arc. The 63.4 eFG% is one of the better marks of the season.
- Bench Contributions: Craig Smith had a rough December. After being weeded out of the rotation on occasion and ineffective on many nights, it looked like Smith’s days of contributing were over. But tonight in a juicy matchup against the depleted Portland front line, Smith returned to his productive ways. Rhino did a nice job in matching the energy of the Portland bigs and put up 8 points and 4 boards in 11 minutes of play. Also resurrected tonight was Ricky Davis, who was called upon to fill in for an ailing Al Thornton. Ricky responded nicely with 10 points on 4 for 6 shooting in a season high 25 minutes of play.
- Chemistry: It’s a tough thing to pin down, but the Clippers did seem a little more fraternal with each other tonight. Both K.A. and Don MacLean pointed out how the players were celebrating more, rushing to pick each other up off the floor, and generally enjoying themselves more than usual. Maybe the recent winning is making us all imagine things, but it appears as if this team is starting to come together.
37 Responses
Think people are finally realizing why Sool was a nice pickup in the off season. We simply needed a shooter who could also play solid d.
Posted on January 5th, 2010 at 1:09 am
Like you said, maybe the recent home victories are making us start to imagine things, but I have to admit, there seems to be a positive chemistry between B. Davis and R. Davis, let alone the rest of the team.
I have to tip my hat off to R. Davis tonight, not only did he give a good vibe to the team, he also came through for us when E. Gordon got into foul trouble.
Even though I’m not expecting a W against the Lakers on Wednesday, I do think we’re overdue for a win against them. Exciting coming up.
Posted on January 5th, 2010 at 2:19 am
As much I don’t value ricky buckets, he did some good for us tonight. Holding B.Roy down below his usual stats deserved some credit.I aint mad at Ricky for that.
Posted on January 5th, 2010 at 8:54 am
I cannot stand Ricky Davis
kirbs Reply:
January 6th, 2010 at 12:47 am
He most likely hasn’t much time for you too.
Posted on January 5th, 2010 at 8:58 am
Before we all start staking out seats for the parade lets remember exactly who and what we defeated last night. Portland is a shell of a team and we should have destroyed them. Lets see how much ‘chemistry’ the team has when Kobe starts driving to the hole and Kaman and Camby each have 3 fouls in a 2nd quarter. That’s the test. The Clippers should have 20 wins by now and would if they had a stronger sense of team. I’m not sold yet. Beat the Lakers, Cleveland or Miami and then we can start whispering the “P” word…
Posted on January 5th, 2010 at 9:52 am
Pee pee?
orville85 Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 10:08 am
passable…
orville85 Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 10:15 am
closing in on a 30 win season-extend Dummy now
Posted on January 5th, 2010 at 9:59 am
Baron Davis is doing what Sam Cassell did for this team. And we’re seeing the same result.
When the Coach and fans are solidly behind Baron Davis, he is at his best. We couldn’t stand Baron last season(maybe he couldn’t stand himself either). What a turnaround!!
Need to win 10 of next 14. If we don’t, keep losing for next round of lottery.
bongstradamus Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 11:25 am
Baron looked 24 last night. That crossover drive and dish on the baseline was sick. Thats why we gave him that huge deal. He earned his keep last night for sure.
Newtybar Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
He no longer has the elevation of a 24 year old though…
Posted on January 5th, 2010 at 10:02 am
this is a 30-win team without Blake. With him…..?
Posted on January 5th, 2010 at 10:14 am
I am a lonely Clippers fan at work , swimming in a sea of Lakers’ fans and bandwagoners..
Please baby please , play your hearts out tomorrow…
TNT57 Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
How can people root for a team that’s bought all of it’s banners? I mean if your payroll is twice most of the other teams shouldn’t you win? Where’s the fun in getting behind the bully with the biggest bank account? Laker fans are suck ups and sheep. Dr. Buss is such a miserable egomaniac that after he bought his latest championship it was so hollow for him that he didn’t even attend the parade. It’s like another luxury car that sits in his garage so he can feel better about his empty existence. Go Lakers my ass.
FireDunleavy .com Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 6:54 pm
Dunleavy had the biggest payroll in Portland and couldn’t win.
kirbs Reply:
January 6th, 2010 at 12:58 am
Trust you to slide that in. I still have a tape of Clippers beating Lakers with Odom, Darius amd Earl Boykins lighting up the court and winning many many moons ago.
HATE THE LAKERS and their hang on fans.
bongstradamus Reply:
January 6th, 2010 at 9:24 am
Thats one of the best games I ever saw this team play. You forgot to mention Corey though, he did most of the work in the 4th quarter of that game. Its why he became one of my favorite Clippers.
Gordon for President Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Right there with you, Petey. Know exactly how it feels. I just want one day to brag…one day!
Posted on January 5th, 2010 at 11:29 am
PP
The most of all are in the same situation. If they play hard this is a good time to beat them. Funny thing has happened to me when I wear a Clipper Sweat Shirt or T Shirt out of Southern California, people ask me if this is the baseball team in Columbus or a Row Team, etc…
Posted on January 5th, 2010 at 11:46 am
I will be happy if the Clippers could keep the game interesting on Wednesday, not expectinng a win or a blow out either.
Posted on January 5th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
I hope Kaman makes Bynum look stupid
Posted on January 5th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Hey Petey Pablo,
I am alot like you here at work. I am the only Clipper fan and the rest are all Laker fans.
I cannot stand all the bandwagoners half of them do not even understand basketball or let alone watch it. But it is easy to say the Lakers are there team. Anyway i do believe that our day will come, Hopefully sooner than later cuz i cant stand it anymore. weneed to play with that fire and energy that you see in Kobes eyes and Dwayne Wades eyes. we have it about 1/3 of the time. We have talent and we need to find a coach that can manage the talent cuz it is there.LITE A FIRE UNDER THERE A___S.I know what some of you have said about RICKY DAVIS he brought a little excitment when he was on the floor,Thats what we need. Anyway lets go CLIPS.
stillaclipfan Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
I agree 100% the only clip fan at work defending my team always. We need more wins with the top teams.This will be a good test for us.
Posted on January 5th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
Sad news today, Rory Markas, who used to be Clippers radio broadcaster a few years ago, dies . He was 54.
jgroove Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Very sad. I like Brian S. but Rory was a GREAT Clippers announcer. I know he left because he got the Angels gig, but he was honest and great as a one guy caller. Very, very sad. RIP.
Posted on January 5th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
i hope the damn bench does its job tonight…. WHERES NOVAK!!!
stillaclipfan Reply:
January 5th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
Good question where the hells novak at-? He needs more minutes.
Posted on January 5th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
los
Are you posting from Asia or Australia, there is no Clippers game tonite.
Posted on January 5th, 2010 at 5:10 pm
i meant tomorrow night lol but either way lets see more Mardy Collins and Steve Novak
bongstradamus Reply:
January 6th, 2010 at 9:27 am
Ill pass on Mardy. But I do want more DJ, Rhino and Bassy!
Posted on January 6th, 2010 at 1:39 am
Blake back Jan. 20 vs. Bulls reported by Yahoo
stillaclipfan Reply:
January 6th, 2010 at 9:45 am
yeeeeeeah! Can’t wait.
Posted on January 6th, 2010 at 8:03 am
I work at an Applebees and I am the only clipper fan therefore I really hope The clippers get the win especially since I work tonight.
Posted on January 6th, 2010 at 11:42 am
I really hope we get that W. It would be a great momentum swing and not to mention awesome birthday present.
Posted on January 6th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
I can’t believe some of the stuff I’m reading! what do you guys mean you don’t expect to win against the Lakers? yeah they have the best record. but I don’t think there any better then us! as a Clipper fan I expect to win every night. Most of the time we should. but we have 4 min. scoring drouts that kill us! when Baron get’s upset, he plays so much better. why can’t he play like that all the time!?! Kamen never makes Bynum look silly. Bynum always kills us. I love Kamen! love his offence. but his defence kills me! Clippers will win tonight! Camby is on a defensive terror right now! Kobe better not test him! stick to your fade away kobe. Gordon will go off for 30 tonight! no Gasol! take it to the hole. get Bynum in foul trouble and out of the game! as Clipper nation can we all put in five bucks and give it to Sterling to bring in a coach! I would love Avery Johnson but I’ll take anybody. except Gentry to much hatred there! I love Dunlevy as a GM. but as a coach he’s killing us. Let the Players Play! we got some players!!!
Posted on January 6th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
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Posted on February 3rd, 2010 at 4:46 am
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