It's Reigning in Southern California

This past week I saw my count of both blog views and Twitter followers increase (although still low), as well as getting a reply tweet from Ryan Hollins and getting my first legitimate has-a-history-in-the-NBA follower, Mateen Cleaves.  Since I feel like things are picking up a little, I’m going to keep the articles coming more often.  And since they’re currently riding on the longest win streak in franchise history, what better time to write about the Los Angeles Clippers.

I was in attendance as the Clippers played the Pistons on Monday night.  It’s been apparent since last year that LA was an exciting team whose explosive offense created problems for even the toughest of defenses.  What I didn’t discover until Monday was that they are one of the toughest of defenses, even leading the NBA in steals per game.

Many times throughout the game, the Clippers forced several Pistons into lockdown double-teams that resulted in turnovers.  The players do a great job of staying in front of their opponents, and the team’s cohesiveness results in switches and help defense getting picked up with ease.  The team also has some of the best defenders the league has available for a few positions.  DeAndre Jordan is a great shot-blocker, Matt Barnes is a tough-to-get-by forward and Chris Paul has quicker hands than any other player, making him the league leader in steals.  Not to mention Chauncey Billups’ permanent return to the court is still pending.

Chauncey’s absence on Monday couldn’t have been more of a let down for me.  Not only is he one of the most well respected Pistons in recent history, earning several cheers throughout the game just for being back at the Palace, but he and CP3 form such a unique frontcourt duo as well.  Defensively, Paul takes advantage of his agility, taking the ball away from other players and forcing turnovers.  Chauncey, on the other hand, chooses to stay in front of the guy with the ball and completely shut them down.  He’s not going to make an attempt at a steal, as that could often end in him getting caught reaching and giving up an easy bucket.  Instead, he leaves his opponents stuck making a pass, never quite getting a chance at an open lane to drive.

Things go the same way for them on offense.  Paul acts as the quick, young point guard who can draw double teams, create shots for himself and run the fast break.  Billups, despite playing the same position, plays the game in an entirely different manner.  He’s much more reserved in his athleticism, choosing instead to hang around the perimeter and act as a director of sorts to his teammates.  When he does put the ball up, he’s typically just going to catch and shoot.

So how about the rest of that offense?  Well, there’s Blake Griffin for that.  Griffin is the team’s leading scorer with 18 points per game.  His playing style reminds me a bit of Dominique Wilkins.  He obviously doesn’t have the same ball handling skills that ‘Nique did, but both have a solid build and an outstanding ability to pull off thunderous dunks in any scenario.  Neither of them was ever afraid to pull off a spectacular jam, even late in close game situations.  It’s working for him, to great effect.  He really has turned into the Human Highlight Film of this era.

After Griffin, the team has former 6^th Man of the Year Jamal Crawford coming off the bench.  Crawford is one of the best shooters in the NBA, possibly bested only by Stephen Curry this season.  Even though he’s coming off the bench, he still ranks among the best in the league at the two-guard spot.  I’d even go as far as to say he’s number three at that position at the moment.  Kobe’s an obvious first (I’m a hater, but I’m not a liar) and James Harden is second.  In all honesty, Crawford is having a better season fitting into his current role than Dwyane Wade.

The team has another big edge on other teams though, besides their offense and defense.  It can be summed up in one word: bench.  This team has amazing depth.  This offseason, they assembled what is debatably the deepest roster of talent the NBA has ever seen.  Although he’s not a bench player, with Crawford being the 6^th man, Willie Green plays more of a back-up role for the team.  Eric Bledsoe is the best point guard coming off the bench in the league.  I still haven’t mentioned Caron Butler and Lamar Odom either, two athletes who have played key roles on recent championship teams.  At the very end of the Clip’s bench we have Ronny Turiaf and Ryan Hollins.  They’re not the best players around, but as options number 11 and 12, they are fantastic to have on a team.

The only thing many teams like this may end up lacking is veteran leadership.  This team has plenty of that in store though.  Crawford already has 12 seasons in his repertoire, and Billups, Odom and Turiaf all have experience playing in the finals.  On top of that, LA is also awaiting the return of Grant Hill, who at age 40 may be taking his last shot at a championship this season.

Teams with so many of the right pieces for a championship don’t come around too often.  They’ve picked up several fans since the addition of Chris Paul and Griffin.  With the new distinction of being the best team in Los Angeles, they may pick up a few more come playoff time.  They can do big things this year, and in exciting ways, too.  Paul and Griffin are still young though, and both have many championship-contending seasons ahead of them.  What better season for them to start making those championship runs than now.