CLIPPERS NOTEBOOK: Somber anniversary for Jordan puts loss to Spurs in perspective

Source: Daily News by By Vincent Bonsignore Staff Writer

SAN ANTONIO - The tweet was sent just after 1 a.m. Wednesday from Clippers center DeAndre Jordan's account.

2012 NBA Playoffs TV Schedule for Thursday, May 17 (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The 2012 NBA Playoffs schedule for Thursday, May 17 will feature two games. On May 16, the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder each moved one step towards the next round with wins over their respective opponents. Which of these four teams playing on Thursday will win the next game of their respective series?

DeAndre Jordan off to a good start against Spurs

Source: LA Times

Clippers need another solid game from their young center, especially with Blake Griffin hurting.

SAN ANTONIO — Playing in only his eighth playoff game, Clippers center DeAndre Jordan had his first shot blocked Tuesday by veteran power forward Tim Duncan.

Injured Chris Paul, Blake Griffin remain Clippers' wild cards

Source: LA Times

The problem is it's not clear whether Chris Paul and Blake Griffin can regain the top level against the Spurs as they battle the pain.

SAN ANTONIO — There was an interesting tweet from Magic Johnson on Wednesday, the Hall of Fame guard saying what so many in Clippers Nation want to believe and what the Clippers themselves firmly contend.

LeBron James and Kobe Bryant on Forbes World’s Most Powerful Celebrities list (Ball Don't Lie)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

With every passing year, NBA athletes become larger figures on the international scene. They move products as endorsers, influence fashion trends, and lend their cred to new musicians and causes. They're cultural forces, and that means they also matter to businesses. So, when a finance-minded magazine like Forbes puts out rankings of the World's Most Powerful Celebrities, the inclusion of some athletes isn't a play for diversity. These players do in fact have power. So, let's talk a little about LeBron James (No. 15) and Kobe Bryant (No. 27) making this year's list. Here's the background from Forbes :

Clippers need Chris Paul to be Chris Paul

Source: Orange County Register by By DAN WOIKE

After the Clippers lost by 18 points to the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night, Chris Paul’s two-year old son told his father that he played a good game. Paul didn’t waste a minute correcting him. “No, bad game,” he said. “Daddy had a bad...

Staples Center has a full dance card this weekend

Source: LA Times

With Lakers, Clippers, Kings and cycling scheduled, things are going to be tight.

Imagine tens of thousands of cycling fans gathered in front of Staples Center on Sunday morning for the final leg of the country's largest stage cycling race, the Amgen Tour of California.

Clippers-Spurs Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

SAN ANTONIO (AP) Hours before turning 30 years old, Tony Parker grinned Wednesday as though his lowest-scoring playoff game since his early twenties was an early birthday gift from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Clippers Can Still Win This Series: Fan Reaction (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

I am going to stay optimistic about the Los Angeles Clippers. Granted, I am also realistic, and I know that the San Antonio Spurs are the better team on paper. The Spurs are experienced, deep and built for the playoffs. I wouldn't put a lot of money on the Clippers, but I still believe that they can play with this team. Game 1 was a very definitive Spurs victory, but there are signs that point to the possibility that the Clips could still pull off some wins.

Iconic basketball star named big bird of executives (AFP)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Retired NBA superstar Larry Bird was named the NBA Executive of the Year on Wednesday, becoming the first to complete a treble sweep of top awards for players, coaches and front office leaders.

Parker vs. Paul no All-Star showdown so far (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

SAN ANTONIO (AP) Spurs guard Tony Parker has a message for the Los Angeles Clippers after being held to just seven points in their playoff series opener: Keep it up.

Larry Bird Wins Executive of the Year, But Neil Olshey Was the Right Choice

Source: Clips Nation by Steve Perrin

Not that it matters a bit, but I can't help musing about the NBA Executive of the Year voting. Larry Bird of the Indiana Pacers won the award with 12 first place votes and 88 points, R.C. Buford of the San Antonio Spurs was second with eight first place votes and 56 points and Neil Olshey of the Clippers was third with six first place votes and 55 points. From there it was a pretty steep drop off to Gar Forman of the

Create-a-Caption: ‘OK, sooooooooo, what’s all this?’ (Ball Don't Lie)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

After a tough start to the Western Conference semifinals, what's Los Angeles Clippers coach Vinny del Negro — perhaps the world's last honest man — thinking as he works this one out? Best caption wins a dog with a quizzical look on his face , most certainly the finest companion there is. Good luck. In our last adventure : Pretty weird dress code for Oklahoma City Thunder games, Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Clippers vs. Spurs: Comic Offers Perfect Breakdown of NBA Playoff Teams

Source: Bleacher Report

The LA Clippers and Spurs have their differences. The only ones that matter are encompassed in a comic that had me LOL and teehee. I even found time to chuckle. 

Let's not beat around any NBA bushes and concede the Spurs are the cerebral artists, a group of seasoned vets that rarely make mental errors. 

We can also plainly see the Clippers are pure power, speed and electric dazzle. They lob like no men have ever lobed before. 

With that, I give you some genius found over at SportsGrid and illustrated by J.O. Applegate. 

It's as plain to see as a Blake Griffin flop. The Spurs are the professors of basketball while the Clippers are forced to play on talent alone. 

I know what you dozens of Clippers fans are thinking. That's not right, we have plenty of brain power and finesse, and we can be as cerebral as the next team.

Right. 

All year we have seen sweet dunks and ridiculous lobs with very little regard given to forming, you know, a working half-court offense. 

I am all for highlight-reel athleticism, but there is just one hiccup to these things. I have said it once and will say it again.

Dunks don't win championships. 

The quiet team sipping coffee and mentally massacring every NBA team in the last month does. Chin up, Clippers faithful. You do have Vinny Del Negro leading the charge. He is smart enough to know what a time out is, and that's something.  

Follow me on Twitter and we can fight about it. 

Follow @gabezal

Read more Los Angeles Clippers news on BleacherReport.com

Pacers' Larry Bird is NBA Executive of the Year (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

NEW YORK (AP) Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird has been voted the NBA's Executive of the Year, becoming the first person to win that award, plus the league's MVP and Coach of the Year honors.

The Arrival of Eric Bledsoe

Source: ClipperBlog.com by Charlie Widdoes

It is often best to show restraint when it comes to young players. Expectations have a way of getting out of hand when you see eye-popping physical gifts and allow yourself to dream. You see what they can do, and all of a sudden you find yourself just assuming that a turnover problem or iffy [...]

Clippers Need To Realize That Spurs Are The Anti-Grizzlies - SBNation.com

Source: Clips Nation by Steve Perrin

Clippers Need To Realize That Spurs Are The Anti-Grizzlies - SBNation.com

Here's my latest column on SBNation, about how the Spurs offense is very different, and much better, than the Grizzlies.

The Spurs’ 15-game winning streak: A look inside the numbers (Ball Don't Lie)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

One night after the Oklahoma City Thunder convinced a lot of people that they were the team to beat in the Western Conference by walloping the Los Angeles Lakers, the San Antonio Spurs offered their retort: A measured, professional destruction … Continue reading →

Power Ranking L.A. Clippers Biggest Concerns for the Second Round

Source: Bleacher Report

The inexperienced Los Angeles Clippers are behind the eight-ball in their second round showdown with the San Antonio Spurs after losing Game 1 by a hefty margin.

Although the Clippers showed some of the fight and resiliency that got them through their first round series against the Grizzlies, they still have many adjustments and improvements to make if they want to give the Spurs a run for their money.

Here are five concerns for the Clips in round two of the playoffs.

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Duncan dominates as Spurs win game one (AFP)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Tim Duncan finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds as San Antonio cruised past the Los Angeles Clippers 108-92 in game one of the Western Conference semi-finals on Tuesday, extending the Spurs' win streak to 15 games.

San Antonio 108 Clippers 92: No Grievance

Source: ClipperBlog.com by Andrew Han

Isn’t it great to be watching a basketball game again instead of a barfight (i.e. Round 1)? Unfortunately, all that space, flow and tempo Clippers fans had missed came in a convincing loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Let’s start with the opposition Game 1 validated everything about the Spurs: they are disciplined, efficient and, [...]

NBA Playoffs 2012: 6 Observations and a Conclusion from Clippers-Spurs Game 1

Source: Bleacher Report

The Los Angeles Clippers find themselves in a similar predicament as their co-tenants of Staples Center. Although they did not suffer a loss as bad, it looked painfully obvious that if they keep playing this way, they will be thoroughly out-matched in their Round 2 series vs. the Spurs.

However, the Clippers are young and inconsistent, and with inconsistency usually comes the other side of the coin, where they will flourish at times and potentially push the series to six or seven. 

Here are six observations and a conclusion for a series that I will be watching very closely. Expect tons of Spurs leads, but just as many epic Clipper comebacks.

Expect some more low-post veteran moxie by Timmy D, but the highlight reel dunks from Blake are coming. And expect Tony Parker to look like the best point man at times, but CP3 to have something to say about it more often than not. 

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Eric Bledsoe a Bright Spot for the Clippers in Game 1 Loss to the Spurs

Source: Bleacher Report

The Clippers dropped Game 1 to the Spurs in a 108-92 decision in San Antonio. While Chris Paul struggled through injury to score just six points on 3-for-13 field goals and Blake Griffin played just 27 minutes, needing 17 shots to get 15 points, there was a bright spot on the floor for Los Angeles.

That bright spot was the same bright spot that shone brightly for them in their first-round series against the Grizzlies. Second-year stud Eric Bledsoe has taken his first trip to the postseason and has made the most of it.

He's been fearless on the big stage, coming in off of the bench night after night to provide an energy burst, solid defense and extra scoring. Tonight against the Spurs was no exception as Bledsoe logged 26 minutes and led the Clippers in scoring with 23 points on 10-of-16 field goals, while also adding five rebounds, four assists, three steals and a blocked shot. 

It's always nice to see a young player up for the challenge, and Bledsoe has risen above and beyond. If the Clippers hope to have a chance in this series against the Spurs, they'll need Bledsoe to continue to perform for them, especially if Paul continues to be gimpy.

At just 21 years old, the 18th pick in the 2010 NBA draft is just 6-foot-1, but plays much bigger. An athletic freak of nature, Bledsoe also plays hard, reckless, almost. His ferocity is reminiscent of a smaller, more compact Russell Westbrook.

He's a lot of fun to watch. He's also been a huge piece for this Clippers team in the postseason.

Check out this incredible steal and dunk by Bledsoe against the Spurs:

 

Read more Los Angeles Clippers news on BleacherReport.com

Tim Duncan goes old school on Clippers in Spurs' Game 1 victory (Yahoo! Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Blake Griffin got a lesson on how to play power forward in the playoffs from San Antonio's anchor.

Spurs' win streak hits 15 in 108-92 Game 1 victory (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

SAN ANTONIO (AP) The San Antonio Spurs had just taken Game 1, and Manu Ginobili didn't want to hear another word about winning 15 in a row or not losing in more than a month.

Del Negro wants Clippers to be Spurs

Source: Orange County Register by By DAN WOIKE

SAN ANTONIO – Chris Paul didn't look up at the four championship banners hanging inside the AT&T Center. He knew they were there. Paul said he respects the Spurs as much as any NBA team, and before Tuesday's Game 1, ex-Spur Vinny Del Negro echoed...

Clippers' Eric Bledsoe a bright spot, with 23 points against Spurs

Source: LA Times

The second-year guard matches his career high with scoring punch off the bench.

SAN ANTONIO — With Chris Paul clearly slowed by injury, another little point guard stepped in Tuesday to lead the way.

CLIPPERS NOTEBOOK: Griffin believes closed-door meeting was turning point

Source: Daily News by By Vincent Bonsignore, Staff Writer

SAN ANTONIO - It's obvious there is a feeling of surprise around San Antonio that the Spurs are playing the Clippers in the Western Conference semifinals.

Focusing on the positives with Clippers amid the negative

Source: LA Times

Blake Griffin deserves some credit for getting Clippers this far, even as series with Spurs is billed as a foregone conclusion. Is there no patience when it comes to a young guy with so much upside?

SAN ANTONIO -- As I travel with our local teams across the country, I'm truly amazed to find so many negative columnists working out there.

SAN ANTONIO 108, CLIPPERS 92: No second wind for L.A. in loss

Source: Daily News by By Paul J. Weber The Associated Press

SAN ANTONIO - So much for getting rusty: The San Antonio Spurs didn't miss a beat after a weeklong break, extending a winning streak that few NBA teams have ever sustained in the playoffs.

VINCENT BONSIGNORE on the CLIPPERS: Spurs just might be best in the West

Source: Daily News by By Vincent Bonsignore, Columnist

SAN ANTONIO Say this much for the Clippers: At least they have enough pride to not roll over when confronted with a little adversity and a major upgrade in opponent.

No beats were missed in Spurs' Game 1 victory (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The San Antonio Spurs picked up right where they left in sweeping Utah by picking apart the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Tuesday night.

Clippers already hurting in Game 1 loss

Source: LA Times

Well-rested Spurs are efficient in a 108-92 victory, making 52% of three-pointers. Chris Paul has an off game with six points and five turnovers.

SAN ANTONIO — In the end, the Clippers simply got beat in every way by an efficient San Antonio Spurs team.

Spurs shoot past Clippers in Game 1

Source: Orange County Register by By DAN WOIKE

SAN ANTONIO – If the Memphis Grizzlies' offense was a bulldozer, the San Antonio Spurs looked like a bullet train Tuesday night, carving the Clippers defense up on what felt like a possession-by-possession basis. The Spurs swung the ball, making...

Spurs shoot past Clippers in Game 1

Source: Orange County Register by By DAN WOIKE

If the Memphis Grizzlies’ offense was a bulldozer, the San Antonio Spurs looked like a bullet train Tuesday night, carving the Clippers defense up on what felt like a possession-by-possession basis. The Spurs swung the ball, making the right passes...

Clippers and Spurs both rely on reserves

Source: LA Times

Bench has been crucial to the success of Clippers and Spurs.

SAN ANTONIO -- Chris Paul doesn't want to add any more pressure to the Clippers' bench just because they will be facing a San Antonio Spurs bench that is one of the best in the NBA.

Rested Spurs cruise past Clippers in Game 1 (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

SAN ANTONIO -- Here's a scary possibility for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Spurs 108, Clippers 92 - Not That Bad, Really

Source: Clips Nation by Steve Perrin

The San Antonio Spurs opened this Western Conference Semifinals series with a 108-92 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. The Spurs took the lead in the second quarter, took control in the third, and held off a fourth quarter rally by the Clippers to secure the victory.

But if you're a Clippers fan looking for indications that L.A. can compete with the Spurs over the course of this series, they were there.

First things first, the Spurs were playing for the first time in eight days and the Clippers were playing for the sixth time in 11 days. Adrenaline kept the Clippers in the game early,

Heat look vulnerable, Spurs still sharp (Reuters)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

MIAMI (Reuters) - Without Chris Bosh, championship favorites Miami suddenly looked vulnerable as they suffered an upset defeat to the Indiana Pacers, while the West's top seeds San Antonio look to have hit peak form with a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in their second-round opener on Tuesday. In Miami, the Heat's 78-75 loss left their Eastern Conference semi-final series tied at 1-1. Bosh has been ruled him out "indefinitely" after picking up an abdominal strain in Game One on Sunday and questions are being asked about how effective the Heat can be without one of their key components. ...

NBA Rumors: 15 Free Agents Who Will Want to Join the L.A. Clippers

Source: Bleacher Report

You may have read this headline and missed the most important word. It's not "15" or "free agents" or even "Clippers." It's "want." Think about it for a moment. Players who "want" to join the Los Angeles Clippers—the perennial joke of a franchise since it's inception?

Yet, it's true. Th Los Angeles Clippers will be one of the preferred destinations in the NBA. They have three things that players are looking for, money, star power and market size.

While they're technically over the cap, they'll only be over by a couple of million which means that they can easily afford a mid-level exception or work a sign-and-trade deal. They may be a second-tier team in Los Angeles, but they are in Los Angeles and winning a title, or having the potential to, could make a big difference. 

Even this year, making it to the second round of the playoffs has closed the still considerable gap between them and the Lakers. They may never eclipse the Lakers, but they don't need to in order for players to land lucrative endorsement deals as Chris Paul and Blake Griffin have already shown. 

That brings up the third point. They have considerable star power in Griffin and Paul, and that duo is enough of a foundation to win a title. From there, it's about how much Griffin can grow as a player and what kind of talent they can put around the pair. 

Because they have that particular trio of incentives, expect the City of Angels to have a second-preferred destination for free agents this year.

Here are 15 players who should be expected to have the Clippers high up on their list of choices. 

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NBA Playoff Capsules (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

MIAMI (AP) David West scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, George Hill added 15 points and the Indiana Pacers took home-court advantage away from Miami by beating the Heat 78-75 in Game 2 of the teams' Eastern Conference semifinal series Tuesday night.

Final: Spurs 108, Clippers 92

Source: Orange County Register by By DAN WOIKE

If the Memphis Grizzlies’ offense was a bulldozer, the San Antonio Spurs looked like a bullet train Tuesday night, carving the Clippers defense up on what felt like a possession-by-possession basis. The Spurs swung the ball, making the right passes...

Clippers fall to Spurs, 108-92, in Game 1

Source: LA Times

San Antonio puts together a fourth-quarter scoring barrage to win the first-ever postseason meeting between the two teams. Chris Paul is held to six points.

The Clippers came back from 24-points down in the fourth quarter of Game 1 to shock the Memphis Grizzlies.

Clippers 92, Spurs 108 Postgame Thread

Source: Clips Nation by LJ Hann

Well, I think that this will be forever known as the Bledsoe Game. Not game 1. The Bledsoe Game. I decree it.

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Spurs 108, Clippers 92 (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

SAN ANTONIO -- Showing no ill effects from their lengthy layoff, the San Antonio Spurs cruised past the Los Angeles Clippers 108-92 Tuesday at the AT&T Center in Game 1 of their second-round Western Conference playoff series.

Rested Spurs win Game 1 over weary Clippers 108-92 (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

SAN ANTONIO (AP) Tim Duncan had 26 points and 10 rebounds and the San Antonio Spurs, recharged after a weeklong layoff, wore down the busy Los Angeles Clippers to win Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals series, 108-92 on Tuesday night.

ClipperBlog Live: San Antonio 108 Clippers 92

Source: ClipperBlog.com by Andrew Han

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