JamFan - As the Clippers ran away from Portland Tuesday night for a 99-85 victory, they have, at least for the moment, become the Kings of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. I know, it's only preseason. But I would rather be 3 and 1 and on top than 1 and 3 and bottom fishing. Especially this year. The two things that the Clippers need to do most is one, become a team that can finish games, and secondly, start a winning tradition that encourages players to want to come to this team in the coming years. It begins now. Not after the preseason. How do they do it?
They have the beginning of something every great team needs. They have something the Lakers do not as yet have in their rebuilding efforts. You see, every coach can prepare their teams to beat the Lakers by basically instructing their players to not let Kobe beat them. It is what they did last year and the Lake show had more shooters then than they do now. If Kobe doesn't beat you, then who will?
So, what is it that the Clippers have this year? The answer....... more than just one weapon. Who are you going to stop? You will no longer be able to key on 1 or 2 players. To beat them you will have to stop everybody. Good luck!
In last nights game, Sam went for 18, Corey had 15, CW scored 13 hitting 6 of 7 shots, Elton had 12, Killer Kaman 8 points & 12 rebounds, and our new hero, Rodney closed out with 12 points hitting 5 of 7 shots. As a team the Clips shot 53% form the floor, 50% from the 3, and 94% of their throws. Hek, Cuttino was given the night off just to cheer. Portland didn't know which of our starters to stop. And when we go to our bench this year........we are not going to be pushed around anymore.
Enthusiam is contagious. Shooting is contagious. Finishing is contagious. Winning is fun. We are all going to see a lot more of it this year. Prey we stay healthy. Get ready for the fun. JamFan
