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It's one thing to dislike certain Los Angeles Clippers players, and I do. I don't like Chris Paul (I was trained to dislike him as a Utah Jazz fan). I feel like guys like Blake Griffin and others constitute a 'fake tough guy' team with their posing and posturing on one end of the court, and NEAR CONSTANT complaining to the refs on every missed call (real and/or imagined). I'm not crazy about Doc Rivers. If there's one thing to like it's that they got rid of Donald Sterling. However, it's one thing to just not like these guys. But it's entirely another thing to see them win 12 straight games against the Jazz.
I remember the Jazz/Clippers playoff series. I also remember two generations of the Clippers being such an absolute joke that they really became a punchline for stand-up comedians back in the day.
But now they are looking to head back to the playoffs and try to break into the Western Conference finals . . . something Deron Williams did in his 2nd season in the NBA, but hey, whatever, Chris Paul has had the more successful regular season career.
Anyway, the Jazz tip off in a little bit, so I will keep this short and sweet.
Alec Burks and Rodney Hood are still out for the Jazz. They don't have any injuries.
LAC is amazing on offense (#1 in Points per 100 possessions, #4 in PPG), and are middle of the road on defense. They have won five straight games, and they have been blowing out teams of late. Tonight is the start of an eight game road trip for the club, who will next play @NOP, @SAS, @BKN, @CLE, @TOR, @OKC, and @DAL. Unless you count the Nets, we're the easiest team out there.
The Jazz are playing well, but clearly not well enough to win three games in a row. They put up a stinker in the 2nd quarter of the game against the Celtics, and while there was a very exciting comeback, the Jazz fell short.
If you let the Clippers score nearly 40 points in the second quarter you're not coming back. Then again, in this topsy turvey (is that even a real word? Shums get back to me on that.) season the Clippers are just as equipped to put 40 on you if you want it or not.
Also, they suck.
They Suuuuuuuuccccckkk.
Boo Clippers!
Marquee Match-up:
Chris Paul vs. Trey Burke and Dante Exum's ego. The two BBVA Rising Stars challenge participants will have to go up against the best tonight, as his squad looks to complete the series sweep.
Fearful Prediction:
DeAndre Jordan gets the calls, while our tower Rudy Gobert does not . . . and Jordan puts someone on a poster tonight.
Fearless Prediction:
No matter what happens tonight, tomorrow morning Blake Griffin is still going to wake up with red hair and freckles. But not in that cute Irish lass kind of way either.
Also the Clippers suck. I don't know if I made that clear.