CLIPPERS(4) vs GRIZZLIES(5): 2013 First Round

[Andrew]

Awesome move and bank shot, though it looked like he tried to flop there.

[Patr1ck]

Clippers look really slow right now. Memphis are all over them on defense existing that weak half court offense. Somebody needs to wake up.

[NovU]

CP3 with uncharacteristic 5 TOs, on 30% shooting totalling 8 points coupled with only 4 assists. Sure he had 3 steals to somewhat offset the TOs but still very poor outings for a best player in the series. Not gonna win you too many games with those numbers. I think he will pick it up in next one though.

And Zach Randolph abused Griffin with his big fat body and scary face.

[Patr1ck]

40 points total for the starting 5 of the Clips. They looked really clueless today.

[Andrew]

Looks like they're going to trade off home victories all the way to seven, though that still works in the Clippers' favour.

[Patr1ck]

I don't know about that. Game 2 was close, but the Clips haven't showed up for games 3 and 4. They need to make some adjustments forgame 5.

[NovU]

Seems like Jordan and Griffin are getting destroyed inside.

[Patr1ck]

Griffin was battling. Jordan was a no show.

[_Steve_]

Seems like Jordan and Griffin are getting destroyed inside.

Yeah, Memphis's frontcourt is just too much for the Clippers to handle right now. It's hard to win games if you are outrebounded 45-28.

[shadowgrin]

[bowdown]

Memphis has kind of a short window though. Their main players are in their 30s like Randolph, Prince, Allen. With Gasol's fat body also entering his 30s in a year or two\

BTW Gasol is averaging only 0.8 Turnovers in the 4 playoff games so far playing 41MPG

[stereoxide]

Griffin is out. Looks like it will be hard for the Clippers.

[_Steve_]

Looks like this year's playoffs are even more about who can keep his players healthy. Lakers already lost that game.

[stereoxide]

Looks like this year's playoffs are even more about who can keep his players healthy. Lakers already lost that game.

It sucks having to watch the playoffs with teams not in their full power. Sadly, injuries are part of the game.

[Patr1ck]

The worst thing about the Clippers these past few games is that they are playing into the Grizzlies defensive strategy. They are not going to beat Memphis forcing it into the paint.

[SoF'nAwesome]

So many key players missing the playoffs or playing half-fit. It's sad.

[NovU]

Gasol is the best passing big in the league. And Randolph is hitting big shots in big games, fearless. That's some great frontcourt. Gay's not being missed at all. Their defense still rocking it.

I wonder if this first round loss will affect CP3's decision this offseason.

[Andrew]

You never know, but I'm guessing he'll remain with the Clippers. I know it goes against the Clippers' history of bad luck to suggest that, but for once things don't seem so bleak for them. I think they've had enough success and put together a team that's good enough for Paul to at least lean towards returning at this point.

[bowdown]

Come on Grizz. Finish those fuckers off.

[Patr1ck]

I wonder if a first round loss will cause the Clippers to look for different coaching.

[[Q]]

of course. if they have a 2nd round loss, it's a little less likely. first round loss, very likely imo.

Stan Van Gundy, anyone? Vinny's not a championship-level coach imo. it goes back to the end of last year when he would continuously blow timeouts at the end of the game and not have any to advance the ball when he really needed them

[Patr1ck]

of course. if they have a 2nd round loss, it's a little less likely. first round loss, very likely imo.

Stan Van Gundy, anyone? Vinny's not a championship-level coach imo. it goes back to the end of last year when he would continuously blow timeouts at the end of the game and not have any to advance the ball when he really needed them

His pure lack of ability to make adjustments in this series also shows his inexperience. This is the first time the front office has been in a contending position for more than a year. I wonder if they will keep him. I don't think they fired any coaches until losing seasons.

[NovU]

Hear me you Blake Quitfin, from Zach: 'It's a Big Boy's Game'

"Banged up?" Randolph said. "I'm banged up. You forgot about my ankle? Banged up. My ankle is as big as a balloon. Talk to the trainers. I'm getting treatment every day. It's the playoffs."

"Last year when I played in the playoffs, I wasn't 100 percent, but I was out there, so I had to be 100 percent," Randolph said. "It's the playoffs. It's a big-boy game."

[Patr1ck]

Zach isn't talking about the ankle he sprained in march, right? something more recent?

[Andrew]

of course. if they have a 2nd round loss, it's a little less likely. first round loss, very likely imo.

Stan Van Gundy, anyone? Vinny's not a championship-level coach imo. it goes back to the end of last year when he would continuously blow timeouts at the end of the game and not have any to advance the ball when he really needed them

His pure lack of ability to make adjustments in this series also shows his inexperience. This is the first time the front office has been in a contending position for more than a year. I wonder if they will keep him. I don't think they fired any coaches until losing seasons.

Agreed on all counts. He's done a respectable job but now that the Clippers have a roster that actually allows them to be relevant, keeping Paul and bringing in a more accomplished coach should be their priorities this offseason.