Game Preview: Los Angeles Clippers at San Antonio Spurs - Cha-cha-cha changes

by greyberger on Dec 28, 2011 2:00 AM CST in Game Previews

San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Clippers

AT&T Center

December 27, 2011 8:30 PM Spurs Time

TV: Fox Sports SW (Area depending) - RADIO: WOAI

The NBA is suddenly back, and after two nights of rivalries and rematches we're settling into a familiar procession of conference matchups that we're used to seeing four times a year. Grizzlies - Spurs and Mavs - Heat were relevant pairings last year, but combination like Jazz - Lakers and Clippers - Spurs have been filling up the regular season schedule for decades. Pre-season, post-season and season are compressed this year and fans haven't had much time to adjust to the changes in team rosters. Rarely does true change come along, and trivia like Vince Carter to Dallas deserves to be buried under an avalanche of games, but we need to stop and consider these Clippers before the standings take shape. If these kids stay healthy and if Vinny Del Negro can teach them to play defense, they'll be favored to win a playoff series for the first time in team history.


Lineups Starters PG: Tony Parker SG: Manu Ginobili SF: Richard Jefferson PF: Tim Duncan C: DeJuan Blair Key Bench Players Tiago Splitter Kawhi Leonard Matt Bonner			Lineups Starters PG: Chris Paul SG: Chauncey Billups SF: Caron Butler PF: Blake Griffin C: Deandre Jordan Key Bench Players Mo Williams Brian Cook Ryan Gomes

It's bizarre to say, but the Spurs will be lucky to be competitive with the Clippers three years from now as LA enters the Griffin/CP3 era. Long-time fans can't comprehend being surpassed by the LA Clippers, who since 1997 have beat the Spurs about as often as the Generals beat the Globetrotters. The Spurs are 46-6 against the Clips in that time, have won 16 straight at the AT&T Center and had a 18-game streak going before blowing it last year. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin change the whole equation, though, and LA basketball fans have good reason to see the Clippers' days of being punching bag, whipping boy and laughingstock-all-in-one as over.

Chris Paul is the best player in the NBA at his position and the misfit role players in LA are an upgrade on his New Orleans team with or without the Blake. I don't rate Chauncey Billups as highly as some observers do but he should compensate for the inexperience of Griffin, Jordan and Eric Bledsoe.

There's not much to take away from their first regular season game besides how good Paul is - the Warriors shot 39% and the teams combined had 30 offensive rebounds in a complete failure to protect the boards. That's exactly as many offensive rebounds as in last year's streak-breaking debacle. Look to Tiago, Blair and the taller wings to help out on the defensive glass this time around.

Blake Griffin was the other reason we lost that contest and with CP3 to set him up he's even more dangerous this year. Vinny D seems to think Griffin could learn from Tim Duncan's example, which is a terrifying concept. I'm trying to imagine a second-year Tim Duncan flying through the air for blocks and covering everyone at once. If anyone needs a reminder of what '99 Tim Duncan could do to premier offenses, reminders abound.

Hopefully we can contain the Paul/Griffin pick and roll, rebound the misses and get some rest for our veteran players, because we're on the road tomorrow against the Rockets and any seasoning we can add to the rookies and newbies will be a tasty treat.

As always Tony must dominate Fisher, and NBA league pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Almost every Spurs game will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area. Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate.

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Comments

Scary stuff, Blake Griffin reminds me of a young Tim Duncan, only he’s nowhere near as skilled, looks like He-Man, and can jump over a bulldozer. Meanwhile, Chris Paul is the best PG I think I have ever seen (along with Steve Nash), and I have always had a secret mancrush on Chauncey Billups. Should be fun. (Translation: I hope they don’t embarrass us.)

A man gets the eye of a Tiger, but a Tiger gets the eye of a Manu.

by alamobro on Dec 28, 2011 2:43 AM CST reply actions

Strong, athletic PF’s really don’t scare me. Sure they can jump high and dunk and stuff, but there’s a limit to that kind of playing. Sooner rather than later, their bodies begin to feel the effects.

But yes, a team with two talented distributors along with a high-flying, high-energy, big will give us fits.

"White-orange, orange, white-green, blue, white-blue, green, white-brown, brown"

by magnuskrauss on Dec 28, 2011 4:10 AM CST up reply actions

Do you remember how Dice played when he was young(before his injuries)? That’s who Griffin reminds me of, except that he’s even more athletic.

Free Cory Joseph!

by Tim C. on Dec 28, 2011 8:05 AM CST up reply actions

Yea, he doesnt actually remind me of Duncan at all. I dunno why I said that. He pure athleticism at this point.

A man gets the eye of a Tiger, but a Tiger gets the eye of a Manu.

by alamobro on Dec 28, 2011 3:04 PM CST up reply actions

This should be a tough game. Hoping that our consistency makes up for their rise in talent.

You are only young once, but you can be immature for a lifetime

by the little o on Dec 28, 2011 3:01 AM CST reply actions

The Clipps are coming on and looking more like the Westcoast Heat everyday…but not today…we got this one.

by indiancharlie on Dec 28, 2011 6:36 AM CST reply actions

Yeah tonight’s a good chance to catch them before they know how to play with each other. We have a big advantage when it comes to continuity and practice

Go Spurs Go

by greyberger on Dec 28, 2011 10:45 AM CST up reply actions

I think NBA League Pass is free for these first few games. No ponying of cash needed at this point.

If less is more, imagine how much more more would be

by JonnyJam on Dec 28, 2011 6:44 AM CST reply actions

Indeed it is!

"That’s cool." - Duncan on his near quadruple-double in game 6 of the 2003 NBA Finals.

by Bakkie009 on Dec 28, 2011 6:59 AM CST up reply actions

You were only looking for an excuse to say “ponying of cash”

A man gets the eye of a Tiger, but a Tiger gets the eye of a Manu.

by alamobro on Dec 28, 2011 7:09 AM CST up reply actions

you know it

If less is more, imagine how much more more would be

by JonnyJam on Dec 28, 2011 7:30 AM CST up reply actions

I think it’s free for a week and a half.

Master of the Universe

by KD1 on Dec 28, 2011 10:35 AM CST up reply actions

Until January 8th according to the website.

by Big50 on Dec 28, 2011 10:42 AM CST up reply actions

Wow. So it’s free for two weeks.

Master of the Universe

by KD1 on Dec 28, 2011 11:32 AM CST up reply actions

Let’s go old and boring! Beat the young and exciting!

"I'm good at killing fat boys. I like killing fat boys." ~Arya Stark

by Ayatollah on Dec 28, 2011 7:11 AM CST reply actions

slow and boring, old doesn’t really apply to the Spurs anymore.

"White-orange, orange, white-green, blue, white-blue, green, white-brown, brown"

by magnuskrauss on Dec 28, 2011 8:13 AM CST up reply actions

Did it really ever? I mean boring maybe….slow perhaps….old at one point….ok, maybe it did.

by Big50 on Dec 28, 2011 10:20 AM CST up reply actions

We were old when everyone but the big three was old, but now that only the big three (2/3) are the only old ones, we’re still old. . . .

"He's the ultimate zone buster." – Bill Land on Gary Neal

"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on DeJuan Blair

by Manu ex Machina on Dec 28, 2011 11:06 AM CST up reply actions

Chauncey?! Every game this season is going to be like a White Elephant gift exchange. I have no idea what’s going on.

by Cedarpark on Dec 28, 2011 8:14 AM CST reply actions

Ha! Well said.

by Big50 on Dec 28, 2011 9:21 AM CST up reply actions

Nice work berger! I’m interested to see if and how the Spurs can handle these Clippers. They are made up a lot like that 2008 Hornets team.

by Big50 on Dec 28, 2011 8:58 AM CST reply actions

Griffin who?? “Its ~~Turbo~~ Tiago time!!!”

Do or do not! There is no try!

by Spurs Yoda on Dec 28, 2011 9:22 AM CST reply actions

It's a fez, I wear a fez now, fezzes are cool
-The Doctor

by prozak on Dec 28, 2011 9:51 AM CST reply actions

This picture always makes me smile.

by Big50 on Dec 28, 2011 10:19 AM CST up reply actions

GOL

Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™

@completelydeck / @PoundingTheRock
Micoblogger extraordinaire.

by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Dec 28, 2011 10:53 AM CST up reply actions

The commercial is soooooo baaaad. He can barely say a word in English at this point.

Do or do not! There is no try!

by Spurs Yoda on Dec 28, 2011 12:58 PM CST up reply actions

Much like a certain Frank Oz manned Muppet?

by Cedarpark on Dec 28, 2011 2:11 PM CST up reply actions

his very obvious makeup makes it even better!

It's a fez, I wear a fez now, fezzes are cool
-The Doctor

by prozak on Dec 28, 2011 3:45 PM CST up reply actions

I can’t believe I’m actually excited to watch a Clippers game.

Master of the Universe

by KD1 on Dec 28, 2011 10:33 AM CST reply actions

---

It’s chopping time, Tio.

Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™

@completelydeck / @PoundingTheRock
Micoblogger extraordinaire.

by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Dec 28, 2011 10:53 AM CST reply actions

or Dr.Strange waiting for the game to start.

by indiancharlie on Dec 28, 2011 5:19 PM CST up reply actions

“POLLOS”

can't forget Matty, if you did you'd feel gyped
like your sandwich ain't a sandwich without Miracle Whip

by Iullaby on Dec 28, 2011 8:00 PM CST up reply actions

While it seems natural to wonder how our bigs will stop their bigs, I expect that may be dependent upon how well our wings close down the passing lanes. Have they put together a half-court offense yet?

Seems Golden State tried a hack-a-jordan strategy, as he’s a poor free throw shooter. If the Spurs avoid early foul trouble among the bigs, they might try it at some key points. It would help to have the extra big while 13 players are allowed to suit up just to send him in and have him foul Jordan.

by Alamo on Dec 28, 2011 11:01 AM CST reply actions

Clips Fan here

Key to winning is DJ staying out of foul trouble against TIMMY! CP3 and BG will get theirs, Caron, Mo (off the bench) and Cookie need to give some support. It’s going to be fun!

"Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry in the daytime
and too sleepy to worry at night."
Author Unknown

by Lawler's Law on Dec 28, 2011 11:23 AM CST reply actions

Thanks for stopping by. I’ll be interested to watch this game to see how the Clips do against our defense (assuming it’s as good as it looked in the 1st game).

by Big50 on Dec 28, 2011 11:45 AM CST up reply actions

I'm expecting a Spurs win.

I’ll be interested to see how the Clippers handle this true test.

Battling a vet team that knows how to play together.

Hand of fate Kawhi Leonard grabbing rebound after rebound and picking pockets like a thief.

uhh….I sound like a Spurs fan….GO CLIPPERS

Proud member of Club FTR. falconPUNCH! for president!

by Newton Pham on Dec 28, 2011 11:48 AM CST up reply actions

My God I already like you guys so much more than Lakers fans.

"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." -Bertrand Russell

by TexaninNYC on Dec 28, 2011 11:52 AM CST up reply actions

Clipper fans are a more tightly knit bunch (at the moment...fan base is growing and more casual fans are hopping on)...

Since we were in perpetual rebuilding mode and looking for players to fill in needs…we also spend a lot of the time thinking about free agency and drafting and subsequently looking at other teams’ and their players fairly in depth (i.e. who should we trade for? who is a FA or RFA in the upcoming season?)

We’re also pretty good with trade / salary cap rules…

Which is why we have more respect for other teams and their fans.

Proud member of Club FTR. falconPUNCH! for president!

by Newton Pham on Dec 28, 2011 12:00 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

So what your saying is that you’re not entitled like Lakers and Celtics fans? That’s refreshing.

by Big50 on Dec 28, 2011 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

Hahaha this quote shows that memories of the past are still stronger then the thoughts of the present.

Hopefully we can contain the Paul/Griffin pick and roll, rebound the misses and get some rest for our veteran players, because we’re on the road tomorrow against the Rockets and any seasoning we can add to the rookies and newbies will be a tasty treat.

I’m excited to see this game. I want to watch my man Kawhiiiiii!!!!!

I’ll tell you this though, the Clips have not jelled yet. They looked TERRIBLE against Golden State. This is an opportunity for the Spurs to pounce and show the young dogs “what’s up.”

Proud member of Club FTR. falconPUNCH! for president!

by Newton Pham on Dec 28, 2011 11:46 AM CST reply actions

How is that quote more about memories of the past than thoughts on the present?

by Big50 on Dec 28, 2011 12:05 PM CST up reply actions

Spurs usually blow out the Clippers and all the vets rest in the fourth while laughing and having a good time...

I don’t think (and hope) that will no longer be the case.

I’m hoping for an all out battle.

Proud member of Club FTR. falconPUNCH! for president!

by Newton Pham on Dec 28, 2011 12:07 PM CST up reply actions

that’s fair. Nice to meet you.

by Cedarpark on Dec 28, 2011 2:12 PM CST up reply actions

*I think that will no longer be the case

Proud member of Club FTR. falconPUNCH! for president!

by Newton Pham on Dec 28, 2011 12:08 PM CST reply actions

Spurs by 5. Its Tiago Time!!!

Do or do not! There is no try!

by Spurs Yoda on Dec 28, 2011 12:55 PM CST reply actions

Fuck it ……SPURS BY 50! GO SPURS GO!

"Dear prescription drug commercial,
It's nice to know that even though I have genital herpes, I can still go fishing.
Sincerely, thanks for giving me peace of mind."

by Cello the great on Dec 28, 2011 1:03 PM CST reply actions

It’s going to be a great game. GSG!

"You and I have unfinished business." - Beatrix Kiddo

by MikeyKosa on Dec 28, 2011 1:52 PM CST reply actions

From my memory, one of the Clippers games last year was one of the few times all year that Tim and Tiago had a stint together on the floor. It didn’t last but a few minutes, but the scores outscored them by at least 7 points and the only points scored against them were when someone scored after picking up a shot blocked by Tiago. It was early in the season and had me looking forward to the new twin towers, but they rarely were on the court together after that.

by Alamo on Dec 28, 2011 2:22 PM CST reply actions

I remember Griffin putting a move on Tiago about 5 seconds into Sparkles’ first NBA game and scoring, but not really having any success after that.

Free Cory Joseph!

by Tim C. on Dec 28, 2011 2:50 PM CST up reply actions

It looks like your reference may be to their first game, and mine to the 2nd game in San Antonio. Looking at the play by play, Tim came in for McDyess in the 2nd quarter (Tiago already in for Blair) at the 9:52 mark. Tiago blocked a 5 foot jumper by Griffin, but Jordan picked up the block and scored on a slam dunk. Aminu later made a 4 foot shot while the Spurs were scoring 11 points. From my recall the Clippers were being forced into bad shot until Blair came back in for Tiago at the 6:26 mark and then the Clippers made 2 layups.

by Alamo on Dec 28, 2011 4:11 PM CST up reply actions

DeJuan45 DeJuan Blair
"@EgyptSATX: Omg @DeJuan45 tweetin that truth today yall follow him!! What is his sign??" Taurus
less than a minute ago

DeJuan45 DeJuan Blair
Be grateful for what u have,For as long as u have it.Fate is unpredictable & Sometimes we don’t know how blessed we are until things change!
3 minutes ago

DeJuan45 DeJuan Blair
People change, and often they become the person they said they will never be.
4 minutes ago

DeJuan45 DeJuan Blair
"@CamCam_2012: RT @lilduval: U ever be happy that a person don’t pick up when u call them? Like “they can’t say I ain’t call”" hahaha swear!
5 minutes ago

DeJuan45 DeJuan Blair
Be true, be free, be you.
6 minutes ago

DeJuan45 DeJuan Blair
People keep telling me that the ’ right person ’ will come along. I think mine got lost smh! Lol
6 minutes ago

I'm not as good as I once was...and that's just the cold, hard truth.

by Ed (dfjmed) on Dec 28, 2011 2:45 PM CST reply actions

Uh-oh, DeJuan Gameday Twittathon.

Free Cory Joseph!

by Tim C. on Dec 28, 2011 2:53 PM CST up reply actions

He needs help. Or at the very least, a permanent break from twitter.

A man gets the eye of a Tiger, but a Tiger gets the eye of a Manu.

by alamobro on Dec 28, 2011 3:06 PM CST up reply actions

If only he could channel the energy from his tweets to the court!

I'm not as good as I once was...and that's just the cold, hard truth.

by Ed (dfjmed) on Dec 28, 2011 3:14 PM CST up reply actions

Sounds like he got his heart broken, which is always great if you can translate that into rebound rage.

by Cedarpark on Dec 28, 2011 3:51 PM CST up reply actions

This guy needs a job.

by indiancharlie on Dec 28, 2011 4:56 PM CST up reply actions

Since I was perfect last night, I figure I might try for a 2nd time tonight. Predictions for tonight’s games:

Pacers > Raptors
Heat > Bobcats
Wizards < Hawks
Cavaliers > Pistons
Thunder < Grizzlies
Celtics > Hornets
Jazz < Nuggets
76ers > Suns
Knicks > Warriors

Note: I didn’t include the Spurs game because I’m totally biased when it comes to our team. Haha! :D
Go Spurs Go!!!

"D'oh!"

by Marky G on Dec 28, 2011 4:33 PM CST reply actions

I like it, but believe the Thunder will beat Memphis.

Do or do not! There is no try!

by Spurs Yoda on Dec 28, 2011 4:43 PM CST up reply actions

Yeah, I won’t be surprised if that happens. I expect Kevin Durant to have a great game tonight, especially with no Battier to guard him.

"D'oh!"

by Marky G on Dec 28, 2011 4:55 PM CST up reply actions

I’m not sure of the symbols. Is the left column the winners, or the away team? Then the < or > is pointing at the winner, or the home team? I think I read it as left column is the away team, and that you are picking the Thunder over the Grizzlies and the Hawks over the Wizards.

by Alamo on Dec 28, 2011 4:49 PM CST up reply actions

The left column includes the away teams while the right column includes the home teams. And I’m picking the Grizzlies to win over the Thunder, but you’re right about me picking the Hawks over the Wizards.

"D'oh!"

by Marky G on Dec 28, 2011 4:59 PM CST up reply actions

Winners: Pacers, Heat, Hawks, Cavaliers, Grizzlies, Celtics, Nuggets, 76ers, Knicks
Losers: Raptors, Bobcats, Wizards, Pistons, Thunder, Hornets, Jazz, Suns, Warriors

Hope that cleared some things up!

"D'oh!"

by Marky G on Dec 28, 2011 5:05 PM CST up reply actions

Always great watching the Spurs at work

And of course you guys have one of if not the best FO in the league. Im convinced that since you guys picked Cory Joseph high, he will be a steal, though I have always loved Kawhi’s game.

Warning: watch out for Mo Williams off the bench. He has looked very good so far this year, and has even improved defensively (dont know how long that will stick though).

by NewCavsfan on Dec 28, 2011 5:38 PM CST reply actions