In 2012, a major changing of the guard took place when the Clippers established themselves as a playoff team. The Lakers were still considered contenders, but Kobe Bryant began slowing down. Meanwhile, Chris Paul helped anchor the Clippers.
Until Blake Griffin’s arrival in 2009 and his 2010 debut, the Clippers were branded for being constant losers. Blake Griffin brought excitement and entertainment, ushering in the Lob City era. The arrival of Chris Paul got them into the playoffs and winning series.
The Los Angeles Clippers began commanding attention. They posted consecutive 50 win seasons. In 2013, they held the NBA’s best record until the Miami Heat went on their historic run. Meanwhile, the Clippers slid to fourth out West, losing in the first round to their rival, Memphis Grizzlies.
Before the Golden State Warriors’ surprise 2014 run that made them champions, the Clippers were looked at. A combination of misfortune and playoff chokes have held the Clippers back. This season, the memories of the Warriors being their “little brothers” are all but forgotten. Their “struggles” with integrating Kevin Durant have taken center stage.
While everyone is talking about the Warriors “figuring things out,” the Los Angeles Clippers have been on a solid streak. Last night, their seven-game winning streak was snapped at the buzzer by Marc Gasol and the Clippers’ rival, the Grizzlies. But, they remain at 10-2 and the best team in the NBA, following last season when, before the injuries to Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, critics said were favorites to upset the Golden State Warriors.
Everybody is looking at the silently-successful Clippers, but they’ve done this before, posting many regular season wins and going up big in the playoffs, only to lose. What makes this season different? Will the Los Angeles Clippers finally make it past the second round, at the very least?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWeDt-uPnYg
