There’s a sequence late in the fourth quarter of tonight’s game where Baron Davis is leading the break up the middle of the court. He’s flanked by Eric Gordon on his right, who trails behind Baron only slightly. Baron separates from the pack, and then does something that evokes memories of Sam Cassell: Baron yells at Gordon to run harder on the break, and physically points out to Gordon where he wants him to go. Once Gordon obliges, Baron leaves a beautiful dime for the suddenly streaking Gordon for the dagger layup and foul. The Staples crowd roars in approval, and the other Clippers maul Gordon with celebratory backhand slaps.
And that’s exactly the kind of thing an engaged Baron Davis brings to the table.
Right from the tip, it was visibly evident that Baron Davis had that extra “umph” ready for tonight’s game. The way Baron got himself going initially was from transition opportunities. At every turn Baron pushed the ball up the floor, running right up the backs of the Lakers defenders. Whether it was finishing plays himself or finding someone like Rasual Butler, who did an excellent job running the floor, Baron set the attacking tone for the entire team early. Baron brought the fight to the Lakers and ended up having his most productive night in a Clipper uniform as a result, scoring a season high 25 points while also putting up 10 assists and 5 rebounds.
If there are signs of Coach Dunleavy and Baron Davis not being able to co-exist, none were evident tonight. The issue with their relationship, and for that matter most relationships, is control. Baron is the point guard, so he naturally controls what happens out on the court, since he’s the one with the ball. If Baron doesn’t want to run, it’s not going to happen. On the flip side, it’s Dunleavy who also wants control, like any good coach should. What’s needed for this relationship to work is trust. Dunleavy needs to know that Baron is going to execute his game plan as best as possible, but more importantly Baron needs to know that his coach supports his decision making and has faith in him. Tonight, Dunleavy wanted to run and run some more. The game plan was smart — the Lakers played last night and had rubbery legs while the Clippers were fresh, well rested and hungrier than their counterpart. Baron executed Dunleavy’s plan to perfection, pushing the ball whenever he could. Tonight was player-coach synergy at it’s finest.
While the offensive game plan to attack and run at any opportunity was a good one, it was the defensive plan that was gold for the Clippers. The Clippers employed a trapping scheme tonight that worked wonders against the explosive Lakers offense, holding them to a 38.4 field goal percentage. The mismatch the Lakers attempted to exploit most was Kobe Bryant on the block against the much shorter Eric Gordon, but the Clippers doubled Kobe immediately on the catch on most occasions. The back line defense off those double teams was solid, and the attempts the Lakers get almost exclusively were deep perimeter jumpers from the right corner. The plan of making the Lakers jump shooters have to beat them worked well early on — the Lakers shot 2 for 10 from outside the paint in the second quarter and had most of their looks contested all night long.
After Kobe’s third quarter scoring rampage (17 points) against some tough defense, an unexpected hero came through while Baron Davis got a much deserved breather to start the fourth quarter. It was Craig Smith, he of some recent healthy DNP’s, who provided the desperately needed offensive lift. Again, credit Dunleavy for the coaching decision to put Craig Smith into this game. In the first matchup against the Lakers, Smith enjoyed a lot of success against the Lakers bigs, particularly against Lamar Odom. We saw that exact same matchup exploited again tonight in the clutch, and it paid dividends for the Clippers. Smith scored eight crucial fourth quarter points, with half of those coming on designed sets for him down the stretch. Coming into this game, it would be hard to imagine Craig Smith getting crunch time touches dialed up for him, but that’s exactly what happened, and it worked. After Craig Smith’s scoring run, the Clippers never looked back.
The Clippers won in a way tonight that the ’05-’06 playoff team won a lot of ballgames. The scrambling, trapping scheme employed was very similar to what made the Clippers so successful on the defensive end all those years ago. The leadership from the point guard position was there tonight, just like it was most every game with Sam Cassell. Even the late game post scoring with Craig Smith in those cross screen, post iso sets was reminiscent of what that team used to run for Elton Brand. The road map for success is there for all the Clippers to see: Win with defense first, some big plays from your point guard, and rely heavily on low post scoring and mismatches. You don’t have to squint to see some of the similarities between the two teams. The Clippers have a lot of work to do, but there’s no reason they can’t grow into a similar type of team. Tonight was a big step in the right direction.
With every win like this, the Clippers grow more and more confident. It’s too early to throw around terms like “culture change,” but there isn’t a player in the league who needs to believe in himself and have the faith of his teammates more than Baron Davis. We saw the effects of this in Golden State. If Baron can keep getting fed wins and the confidence that results from them, the outlook for this team suddenly becomes much brighter.
52 Responses
The clippers did a perfect job and if every game from now on had the same focus, effort, and intensity they will be a playoff team. They took control fr majority of the game against the defending champs. Baron did a good job attacking the rim looking like his gsw days while kaman showed he is clearly more skilled then bynum with a much higher iq on the floor and with Gordon and rasual hitting trays with rhino crashig boards this team can be scary.
Is it just me or is this team starting to gel and open up more? They’re starting to look confident and can’t wait for griffin to play.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 3:38 am
The clippers did a perfect job and if every game from now on had the same focus, effort, and intensity they will be a playoff team. They took control fr majority of the game against the defending champs. Baron did a good job attacking the rim looking like his gsw days while kaman showed he is clearly more skilled then bynum with a much higher iq on the floor and with Gordon and rasual hitting trays with rhino crashig boards this team can be scary.
Is it just me or is this team starting to gel and open up more? They’re starting to look confident and can’t wait for griffin to play.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 3:38 am
Happiest I’ve been as a Clipp fan in a while. Great win.
Pez Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
I second this
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 6:54 am
Baron showed tremendous leadership tonight…if he does that, the sky is the limit! Go Clippers!!
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 7:10 am
Major spankage.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 7:21 am
Great win, I was hoping for some video breakdown
D.J. Foster Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 10:39 am
As soon as I get myself the technology, I’m going to start doing some video breakdowns as well. I love them as much as you guys do, so I can’t wait to do them. It should only be about a month before my new system is all set up and ready to go.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 7:33 am
Fantastic win, and great to see Rhino making a difference. Now let’s rest up for the tough stretch that begins on Sunday w/ Miami.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 8:01 am
Watching Baron Davis play last night made me want to cry, the guy just came in determined to get the W he played his heart out and the results were awesome I was there when the Clips beat the Celtics and also saw the same effort from him and I’ll tell you what for as much as he struggled last year I feel the B. Davis era has become a fun one the next three games are crucial we must beat MIA and then we get NO and MEM two bearable teams with a slightly better record than us and possibly the teams we will have to battle for the 8th spot.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 9:03 am
Awesome game! loved it! it always feels good to get a win from the hated Lakers. But with Lamar talking smack before the game made it just that much sweeter! I can’t wait for Blake to come back so that EB can see what he could have done with this team if he wasn’t a backstabbing liar! why can’t I get over it already? him team sucks and were looking like we have a bright future! maybe a enough to lure Labron to take over LA. I would love to see him put Kobe in the back seat and make him retire!
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 9:04 am
Dunleavy shouldnt talk..he is a idiot….He talks about the Clippers being a “injury ward” ..doenst he realize thatb the Lakers were missing the second best player on the floor last night?? Also how come he hasnt played Smith and Jordan more.?? He must think they can play since hes the gm and has them on his roster…
Javyg Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 9:15 am
Injuries are a part of the game and the lakers talk a lot of smack there is no cockier arrogant fans than laker fans. Dunleavy was right in the past 4 yes we’ve been in the top 5 in games lost to injury. Suddenly we are healthy and everyone seems surprised I mean I remember last year when we played aginst the lakers our starters include Jordan,Skinner and Mardy Collins and the laker announcers were dissing our team why shouldn’t we enjoy this win simply because Gasol was out. As for smith and jordan and dunleavy get off dunleavys case most succesful teams have an 8-9 man rotation you really only need 3 bigs with Camby and Kaman demanding big minutes there are
few for a 3rd big and practically none for a 4th. Dunleavy makes his decision based on matchups and the practices we never get to see. Dunleavy has my approval and I trust he will get us to the playoffs
Clipper Derrick Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 11:48 am
Neil: He was talking generally about the prior 8 Laker/Clipper matchups. You’ve got to remember that during those prior 8 matchups, a LOT of Clipper players weren’t available. Whether it was EB with his Achilles, Livingston with his knee, Kaman, Mobley, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. This is the closest to a healthy roster as we’ve had in a while, even with Griffin out, Thornton recovering from the flu, Camby getting back into game shape after his DNPs … Sure, they didn’t have Pau, but what about the Lakers winning without Pau against Houston, Atlanta, Dallas, etc…
kirbs Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Neil shouldn’t have wasted your time writing that, it was a waste of time reading it.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 9:05 am
I was in attendance last night, and it was an awesome game. I was with a bunch of Laker fans, and it felt great rubbing this long-overdue win in their faces!
I felt like Dunleavy’s approach to the game was on point. Instead of yelling “run, run, run”, he just allowed and trusted Baron to run the break after a Laker miss. I was skeptical of the lineup in the beginning of the 4th, and was really unhappy about Ricky Davis being in the game for as long as he did. But good thing, Dunleavy didn’t fall into his usual stubborn ways, and immediately put Baron and Rasual back in.
I’ve said this to everyone, Craig Smith should get more PT! The guy has a soft touch around the basket, his back to the basket game is above-average, and he just knows how to play the game! He owns Lamar Odom in the paint! I wish there were more opportunities for Craig to get more PT with the second unit. Hopefully, Dunleavy realizes it.
Overall, I see more team chemistry, I see Baron wanting to become the leader of the team, and I see Coach wanting to become less restrictive. Out of all those 3, the last part will be the hardest to overcome. But anyways, GO CLIPPERS!!!
Clipper Derrick Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 11:53 am
I loved Ralph’s breakdown of why the Craig Smith v. Lamar Odom match up worked well. Craig = Shorter, but wider and stronger > Lamar= Longer but weaker. Great match up in the post.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 9:27 am
Excellent post, DJ. Great win.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 9:43 am
What a great day at work. I think things are starting to come together. It sure was nice to beat LOS LAKERS.GO CLIPPERS
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 10:23 am
oh yeah, when you looked at Baron’s face, he had a look and swag VERY reminscant to Sam Cassell. Maybe he finally wants to put his city, and his team on his back.
Clipper Derrick Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Second.
kirbs Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Youds be hard pressed to find a game for awhile where you think he has “dogged”,it ,has been good all season overall.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 10:59 am
First, great win. Second, why doesn’t Baron get up for every game this way? This team should have 22 wins right now and be on their way towards the playoffs, but Baron needs to be a consistent leader and bring it every night. The only difference between Kobe and Baron is Kobe brings this type effort nearly every night. Maybe this was the game that flipped the switch. I gave my tickets to my son-in-law as a birthday present and he’s a die hard Laker lover. I was so happy to know he got to see the Clips tear up his bought and paid for Champions. If we can beat either Cleveland or Miami we will have turned a huge corner. I think beating both might be unrealistic, but who knows. Craig Smith was awesome. Speaking of Smith, did you see where Clip announcer Mike Smith might be in hot water with the law? Story in Post claims he cheated some elderly woman out of her money in some shaddy real estate deal. Mike “Mister Perfect” Smith is a con man? What next, Ralph Lawler gets arrested for running a brothel? Stay tuned Clipper Nation!
laknights Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Ah Mikie, the Mormon Madoff. It takes alot of money to feed 10 offspring. At least he can’t make any more babies while in prison.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 11:17 am
Baron showed a lot of leadership in the third quarter taking a charge from Odom. I do not understand why Odom problem with the Clippers, he was well treated here, he is a real loser.
Regarding Mike Smith I do not know if it is true or not what happened but he should be “benched” until after the trial. Knowing that I watched the game in ESPN last night.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
Get rid of both Lawler and Smith — I can’t stand their sophomoric banter. When Eaves and McClean took over for that one game, they were great! Donnie Mac actually talked about basketball and how the game is played – strategy, etc. Ralph and Mike are tired. Time for a change — screw tradition, especially when it’s a LOSING tradition (i.e., Lawler).
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Gunn
What I do not like about Lawler is super excitment just for 3 point play, is OK to show passion but his extreme. I will call “provincianism”. He always has been a good soldier but he should critize more the Clippers management.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Lawler is like the kindly old grandfather who nobody pays attention to anymore. He’s starting to make more age related mistakes forgetting names and the score more and more often. I think he’s paid his dues enough to call his own exit, but it might be nice to get a little energy behind the mic. I guess if someone hangs around ling enough they get respect, but after ALL these years Ralph still isn’t in the broadcasters hall of fame…whatever that is.
benoit benjamin's two left shoes Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
Come on. Ralph’s mind is a steel-trap compared to the senile blather that emanated from the addled brain of Hall of Fame broadcaster Chick Hearn for many a year before he gave up the mike. I still remember him routinely calling the Clippers’ Tony Massenberg “Tony Massingill!” And that was more than a decade ago. What a douche.
And has anyone listened to Stu Lantz lately? Un-friggin-bearable. Give me Milph anytime.
Newtybar Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 2:56 pm
Such a biased Laker commentator. Beyond biased, definitely unbearable.
Ralph+mike Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 3:43 pm
I agreeI best duo in the game
Cpt1021 Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Heck yea!…by far
Ben Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
you must have never listened to Chick Hearn….he had his little biases here n there and how dare you bad mouth Chick not only because he is deceased but because he is one of the best announcers ever….you must have never heard the many times he talked smack about Lakers players whenever they were not playing well or making boneheaded plays…if you dont know….dont talk….
as for Ralph…him and Mike are the best broadcasters in the game and its going to suck if Mike Smith has to go away….but if he did the crime then he must do the time…
RT Reply:
January 8th, 2010 at 11:47 am
I love Ralph to death, but I don’t care whose fan you are, you cannot badmouth Chick Hearn. Do you enjoy basketball? Do you like it when guys “slam dunk” the ball? Good. Chick invented that term. Have you ever chanted “Aaaaaiiiiirrrr Baaaaallllll” at an opposing team’s player when he doesn’t even hit the rim? Awesome. Chick Hearn invented that one too… and a few dozen more. He didn’t just comment on the games, he taught the games to everyone listening on radio and TV, and he did it with a flair and passion that is damn near unrivaled.
Like Ben so succinctly put it: If you don’t know, DON’T TALK.
benoit benjamin's two left shoes Reply:
January 8th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Guys, chill out. You miss my point. I listened to Chick for many a year (probably long before you), and still quote some of his Chickisms (“the good ones miss ‘em short,” “X has two chances to guard Y, slim and none, and slim just left the building,” etc.). I enjoyed his broadcasting even while rooting against the Lakers, and I far preferred him to the current Laker broadcasters.
But Chick was more of a “homer” than Ralph, and Ralph’s occasional lapses now are fewer, and less nonsensical, than the many senior moments Chick exhibited in the several years before he retired.
All I am saying is that, if Chick was allowed to go out on his own terms and his own timetable, then Ralph should be too, and judging by the level to which Chick had reached by the time he finally hung up the vocal chords, Ralph has several more years to go before anyone should suggest that it is time for him to shuffle on into that good night.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Good point TN
You are right that is the name, I checked and could not find his name on it. I agree with you post. Maybe I should lower the volume and wait for their replacements. I like Don MacLean style.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
Can’t believe you guys are slamming Lawler. You have no idea how good you have it.
SamMays Reply:
January 7th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Lawlor is great. Smith I can live without… He’s about as vanilla as you can get until he makes attempts at jokes. Then he’s flat out lame.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
lol smith can go i hate how he brags about things he doesn’t even do haha…. i talk to so and so before the game LMAO
lawler is fine where he is… he deserves to see The Clips win *hold breath* BINGO
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Maybe we are tired of losing. We started with Mike Smith but since they are sitting together Lawler got a shot too. Nothing personal
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
You guys are crazy. Ralph Lawler is the best announcer next to Marv Albert and Mike Breen. He’s a freakin’ NBA legend. And you should listen much more closely. He’s very hard on the team and lets you know when they are not playing well or trying hard enough.
I watched the ESPN replay after the Clips broadcast last night and that trio was UNBEARABLE. The game was on the line in the fourth quarter and they aren’t even paying attention and talking about Gilbert Arenas. Mark Jackson is the most overrated commentator ever.
Eaves is fine as a studio host, but I’m over dumb sounding Don. He puts me to sleep. Cuttino Mobley would be 10x better. That guy was always a great interview and judging by his hanging out at Clips games, he ain’t that busy. Shoot he’d be great with Ralph if they fire Smith.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
JG
You are right. We are crazy to follow the Clippers for so many years. Critizing Lawler does not mean he should go but Mike Smith must be replaced as soon as possible. They should try Cut, I remember Bill Walton did not know how to finish a sentence when he started working with Lawler
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
Whatever happened to “innocent until proven guilty”? With all the banking and wall street CEOs walking around collecting huge bonuses and government bail out packages after having almost (still not over!) brought down our economy while peddling mortgaged-backed securities that supposedly were AAA rated when if fact they were junk grade, we can give Mike a little slack for a real estate deal gone bad. He’s not the only one who got hit by a bad real estate market brought to you courtesy of wall street.
As to Lawler being shown the door, WTF? Have you listened to Joel Meyers boring and Laker-pandering play by play? Have you listened to Jeff Van Gundy’s diarrhea of the mouth? Milph already got a bum rap when talking about the first player who hails from Iran. Heck, that guy should have had his tennis shoes checked before entering Staples to make sure he doesn’t blow up the place! Milph are sometimes the lone bright spots during games when the Clippers get blown out. They make me laugh. While Milph try to support the Clippers, they ain’t homers. With the last loss again Portland, Lawler made a fairly terse remark that the main reason Portland beat the Clips with all their injuries was because of good coaching. By his implication, the Clippers had poor coaching.
If anyone deserves to see a good season and report on it, it’s Ralph Lawler!
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
how could you guys talk about getting ralph lawler? he is hands down the best doin it right now!
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
I’m surprised anyone would want Lawler to go! especially a clip fan. I’ve heard commentators from opposing teams even praise him and acknowledge him for Lawlers Law and his signature BINGO!! I think Mike is alright as well, he compliments Ralph perfectly.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 4:37 pm
I guess I started some mess! I just wish Ralph would talk basketball and not all that other STUPID stuff they talk about. It’s a basketball game idgets — talk basketball, I don’t care about Peoria or anything else in your personal life — get over yourself. You’re lucky to still have a job — what a dinosaur. And I’ve been following the Clips since ’91 so I have the right to say Ralphie boy sucks. Sometimes I turn down the volume because I can’t stand to hear their idiotic conversations. Much like the one that got them in trouble for being idiots
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Lawler is like family to most Clipper fans. Shame on anyone talking smack about the guy. He’s 100% class at all times and it’ll be a sad, sad day for the entire franchise when he puts the mic down.
As for Smith, you could throw a stick and find someone capable of replacing him.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
As to Ralph and Mike…they’re just commentators, they haven’t caused the clippers to lose or anything. Smith need to be a bit more racially sensitive. In the most recent Portland game he refered to Brandon Roy as “Poster (Boy)” for something or another. (it’s “poster child” mike!) Black folks don’t like this, and unless you’re black, please don’t refute this. Why even get anywhere close to a racial slur as a broadcaster? As to RL, if you don’t think “Bingo” is funny, then of course you won’t like Ralph’s corny sense of humour. Ralph has something that most people don’t have, but need…CLASS.
Thumbs up for Ralph, and the other way for Mike. Mike’s just doesn’t bring anything to the conversation.
As to the team, which is all that matters, It’s not the team with the best players, it’s the team whose players play the best. Let’s hope B Griff and his great work ethic inspire the clippers to play hard every game for 48. If people aren’t playing hard, bench them ala Avery Johnson. (good clipper coach?)
Marcus Camby and Eric Gorden are two that never slack and are the Clippers two best players for that reason.
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
and for you guys bad mouthing Ralph you guys should be grateful we are not stuck with someone like Joel Meyers probably the most boring guy in the history of the profession….
Posted on January 7th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Lawler called shannon brown devin brown lmao, that is kinda funny u gotta admit. KOBE GOT PWNED! BINGO BITCH BINGO!
Posted on January 8th, 2010 at 2:36 am
Don’t apologize Gunnz. You were right on about everything you said about Lawler & Smith. It’s about time someone had the guts to say it. Lawler’s been talking about everything except basketball during the game since he teamed up with the insufferable Bill Walton years ago.Moreover, I’ve never heard him say one word over the years about the pathetic coaching the Clippers have endured which has cost the team countless victories. He seems like a real nice man, but his job is to report on what’s going on in the game &,if possible, why. At that, he’s not real good.
pez Reply:
January 8th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Lawler’s job is not to report on the clippers. He isn’t a reporter, he’s a play-by-play announcer, and a damned good one. Sorry that he doesn’t talk trash on the organization that employs him. He’s smart, knowledgeable, and quick on his feet. You cannot ask for better in a play-by-play announcer. If all you want is to hear someone talk trash on dunleavy may I recommend firedunleavy.com.
Posted on January 8th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
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