A big game, backs against the wall but with hopes high having
their full complement of stars available.
A great start ensued where the Clippers had themselves a
double digit lead in the second quarter. Sort of similar I suppose to their 17
game win streak early in the season.
But then things went awry. Carmelo went crazy and scored 18
in the third quarter and by 3 quarter time, the Clippers lead was down to just
1. Sort of similar to how L.A's season has struggled of late, losing 8
of their past 11 and seeing their division lead cut to just 4 games.
Yet it’s the last quarter which will have the Clippers
feeling good about themselves. A steadying win, in the end by 14, with
great contributions across the board both from their stars and from their famed
bench.
Doubters however might suggest this was only one win, and only
against a Knicks team who’s actual ability doesn’t quite match their lofty
record.
Perhaps the truth lies somewhere in between? That today’s
win proves the Clippers are indeed a playoff calibre team, but with some serious
questions still persisting as to whether they’ll have any real impact once the
post-season begins. After all they were thumped in Miami by 22 points on Saturday
with an almost identical line-up in place.
The Clippers more than any other club will be monitored fiercely
over the coming 11 days regarding any changes to their team with the trade
deadline fast approaching.
I get the feeling if they do make some sort of move their
season might have a real chance of going quite deep. Stand pat however and the
Clippers, though still good enough to make the playoffs, will likely be there
for only a round or two, having achieved nothing more than they did last season.
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