Enjoy the Clip Show
By Jeff Mangurten / Feb. 9, 2005
I love watching the Los Angeles Clippers. I know that sounds strange coming from a Chicagoan, but I do. From the way the team plays to the brilliance of Ralph Lawler, the Clippers might be the best watch in the NBA.
When people bring up the Western Playoff race, you think of Memphis, Houston, Minnesota, Denver and the Lakers. It seems that the Clippers, currently sitting at the 10th spot, are totally forgotten about. But the best basketball is yet to come for LA's second team.
The Clippers have suffered tons of injuries this year, missing Marko Jaric, Shaun Livingston, and Kerry Kittles for most of the season. Corey Maggette, Chris Kaman and Chris Wilcox have missed some time this year, and with all returning after the all-star break, look for the Clippers to make a run.
But even with those injuries, the Clips have been the most enjoyable team to watch in the league. Their style of play, which is extremely tough-nosed and smart on both ends, makes them just as enjoyable to watch play as Phoenix, Sacramento or Seattle.
But as anybody with the NBA League Pass can tell you, they also possess the best announcer in the business. Ralph Lawler is always upbeat, on cue and extremely witty. From his remarks about the team's play to his work playing off of color man Michael Smith, which is always hilarious, all the way to Lawler's Law (first to 100 always wins, it's the law, and I have made it a mission to make that famous), Lawler always makes Clipper games entertaining.
So will the Clippers make the playoffs? That remains to be seen, but a lot will be told by the nine-game road trip they're currently on. The West's current top five are pretty locked to make the post-season, then Houston and Memphis will capture the next two west spots, so number eight is up for grabs. The Lakers are fading, and the Wolves stink, so it may be up to the Clippers and the surging Nuggets.
But whether the Clips make the playoffs or not, they still might be the best watch in the NBA. If you've passed them by all year, choosing to watch Jason Richardson and the Warriors, or the fun, run and gun Phoenix Suns late in the evening, I'm telling you right now, give the Clips a watch. You'll enjoy it.
I love feedback. E-Mail me at gurt14@comcast.net with your questions and comments.
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