The game is over. Paul George money in the pain, but the postgame
reaction has just be gone. Kawhi Leonard is so smooth in the mid range.
This is Clippers locker Room, a recap of today's game and a look
ahead on your home for LA Clippers basketball at now your host, You,
sir, are a bad man, Adam Auslin. Clippers win one thirty six
to one twenty five over the Portland Trailblazers in game eighty one from downtown Los
Angeles. Welcome in to your post games show. I'm Outam Oslin coming up.
Second half highlights your post game box scoring. You'll hear from the head
coach and the players with first back out to your voice of the Clippers in
Noah Eagle, No a great second half. Clippers dominated and starting to knock
down threes in that third quarter, which really gave him that separation. So
that was the big thing. So listen to this, Adam. This is
this is actually pretty interesting stuff. The Clippers started this game over seven from
three, then they were twelve for twenty one at one point, so in
between that they went well of fourteen, and then they finished the game oh
for seven from three. Oh wait, no, let me get this right.
I got I see what it was. They went over seven, then
they went twelve for twenty one, and then they went over seven to finish
the games. That's pretty impressive, honestly, but it shows you this sim
can get hot in a hurry, and when they do, that's when they're
at their best. You mentioned that third quarter, they went eight to fourteen
from three, and that's what broke this game open. They scored forty five
points. They continued to share the ball at a high rate, and they
locked in a little bit defensively just enough. They gave up only twenty six
points in the third and from that point on they had this game in hand,
in control the rest of the way. Yeah, I thought of Visa
Zoobos ramp things up coming out of the half, and the Clippers kind of
followed suit. They just looked like they were digging their heels in more defensively
than Yeah, they did a lot better job of staying in front of ball
handlers. That was the big key in the first half. It just felt
like they couldn't stop drivel penetration, and so they did a great job there
in that second quarter and found a way through it. So I loved what
they did to build themselves a little momentum going into the fourth. But you're
right, defensively, look in the first half it just wasn't there. In
the second half, it what we saw the Clippers go small a little bit.
Yes, I think we lost no ego for them. Gott please back,
he's back. Robert Covington played twenty one minutes, He had eight points,
had that great steal on the inbounds, and took the other way for
the slam of the fourth. I loved what Roco brought in terms of his
energy in the twenty one minutes he played tonight. Eight point seven rebounds,
one assist, one block, one steal, three or four from the floor,
two of two from three. Just did a little bit of everything.
He did what Robert Covington does, and when he's playing at a high level,
it's because he's impacting the game on both ends. You mentioned that steal.
That was a nice I would say microcosm for really his overall day,
but a plus nine on the day, really the whole bench shoot it performed
at an extraordinarily impressive rate, as they have all season. Sixty one bench
points is nothing to sniff at and so the Clippers are gonna be thankful for
what they had coming off as reserves, and Robert Covington as big a part
of it as anyone. Norman Pala had twenty three of those points off the
bench, seven to fourteen shooting, got to the free throw a line.
Know, I forget sometimes his injury wasn't a lower body extremity injury. His
juice there, his ability to get that Burston to get downhill quickly not a
problem. Nope, nope. He had plenty of it and has had plenty
of it. But a combined twenty one free throw attempts for both Kawhi Leonard
and Norman Powell in this game, to me, you want to talk talk
about recipes for success for this team. You want to talk about offensive recipes
for success for this team. Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell game to the free
throw line and combined twenty one times is always it. That's what James Harden
and Joel Embid do at a high level. That's what Janis does. That's
what good teams do. They get to the line when they need a little
bit, when they need a little push, when they need a little boost
and So the Clippers did that today. They've done it the last couple of
games, but this one was a perfect example of those two in particular,
setting the issue, setting the tone, forcing it inside, making sure that
they do it, making sure that they continue to do it, stay on
it, and just keep doing their jobs, because quite honestly, that's what
Norman Powell does, that's what Kawhi Leonard does, and I thought today this
to me, it should show them heading into that postseason, the best way
that they can compete, even with Paul George sideline, is by doing that,
putting pressure on a defense, getting guys in foul trouble, getting to
the free throw line, and more importantly converting. Because they want to combine
nineteen of twenty one between the two of them, Clippers in Phoenix tomorrow to
close out this regular season in a possible first round playoff preview it could be
game zero of that seven game series. Clippers win is no invention of Zeros.
Clippers win, they will be the five seed, that'll be the four
five matchup. They lose, well, things could get chaotic. We don't
even want to go there right now. But the Clippers get the victory and
Noah Eagle's final whole regulation game as your voice of the Clippers. They win
one thirty six to one twenty five over the Trailblazers. Great call, Noah
Eagle, Adam appreciate you. We will be back here. It's only a
matter of time as to when we are ba here and for how many games.
But let's say, I say, let's keep this thing going. Why
not? But I'm having too much fun. We can't stop it now,
so I can't wait for tomorrow. There we go, There we go?
All right? Coming up next, we got second half highlights. Clippers win
by eleven as they dominate the second half over the Portland's Trailblazers. One thirty
six, one twenty five was your final. And you're listening to the Los
Angeles Clippers Radio Network, George and Leonard running. You're listening to LA Clippers
basketball, but up top Clipper puts it down plus the foul every game all
season long. On their official hole. Clippers win one thirty six and one
twenty five over the Portlands Trailblazers. From Crypto dot com arena and welcome back
into your post game show. I'm Adam Oslin. Still to come on the
Patriot am eleven fifty. We'll have Clippers talk for you if you'd like to
get on early. Eight seven seven five two zero eleven fifty eight seven seven
five two zero eleven fifty is the phone number. But right now we do
have second half highlights for you. Clippers were actually trailing by six at the
half. Is Portland was shooting fifty six percent from the field in the first
half. It was seventy to sixty four Blazers twenty four minutes in. But
in that third quarter the Clippers found their shooting stroke from the outside swallowed up
by Leonard his fifth and he moves it up ahead. Buttomb farside corner,
knocks down the three. Nico batoumb early offense against his former team brings him
within one. Seventy to sixty nine. Patoom a right wing three bullseye.
Nicobatoomb sticks in and here comes Westbrook, driving middle into the paint. Take
it out farside corner. Batoomb again, patoum again. A three ball pure
shooting from Nicobatoomb in the third is third three makes it eighty to seventy two.
La subots one rebound shot, another double double a D three Cordons knocks
it through from the logo Eric Gordon a bomb Leonard left the right steps in
all right wing three co boomb cowy Leonard cops off on eight O run Leonard.
Pump pig, chap step pump pig again on Watford. He'll try by
the three ball. He'll hit the three ball. Go why Leonard, he
said, if you reach I Teach Covington loads up the three off the back
arm. Oh the soft touch Rouco perfectly placed as it bounces in Robert Covington.
There also ot a block on the other end right after that. But
the Clippers with eight may three pointers on eight O fourteen shooting in that third
quarter where they would outscore the Blazers by nineteen, and they led heading into
the fourth one oh nine to ninety six. They would run away with this
one. It would win by eleven at one thirty six to one twenty five
over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game eighty one, final game of the regular
season coming up tomorrow, Clippers in Phoenix for a possible first round play off
preview coming up next More on that, plus we'll hear from the head coach
and the players Clippers by eleven over the Blazers and you're listening to the Los
Angeles Clippers Radio and next it was blocked by George. This this LA Clippers
basketball on the home of your LA Clippers. Clippers win one six, one
twenty five over the Portland's Trailblazers from Crypto dot com Arena. Welcome back into
your post game show. I'm Adam Oslin. Clippers have one game left in
this twenty twenty two twenty twenty three regular season. Believe it or not,
It'll be tomorrow in Phoenix against the Suns. So here's the situation in the
West. Clippers right now in the five spot, right behind the Suns in
the fourth spot. But they can't get that fourth spot because they're two games
behind them. Suns have that secured Clippers in a more precarious position. They
win tomorrow, they'll know they're taking on the Phoenix Suns in the first round.
They will know they'll be starting that series off in Phoenix, best of
seven matchup. If they lose, though, then it could come down to
whether or not the Minnesota timber Wolves beat the New Orleans Pellate Kids, because
remember the Pells have the tiebreaker over the Clippers. If they won that game
and the Golden State Warriors beat the Blazers as well tomorrow and the Clippers lost,
they would be back in the seven eight matchup in the playing tournament.
So Clippers win, they're in the five spot. They lose, they no
longer control their destiny. They could be anywhere from the sixth spot, seven
or eight spot. Coming up next on the Patriot Am eleven fifty we got
Clippers stock eight seven seven five two zero eleven fifty eight seven seven five two
zero eleven fifty is the phone number. But outside of Los Angeles, we
are leaving you until eleven thirty tomorrow morning with their pregame show the Clippers and
Sons outside at Los Angeles. We'll talk to you then. NLA coming up
next. This Clipper etock. This has been Clippers locker roow full side for
Paul George. The conclusion to another their game of exciting LA Clippers basketball.
Don't miss any of the action all season long on your home for the LA
Clippers. Welcome into Clippers Talk. Here's a new sheriff from town. You
won't be able to deny it. You're going to go to the NBA Finals.
I believe it in my heart. This is the best team in the
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It's your La Clippers recapping the game, the stars and looking ahead to what's
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with just one game in the regular season remaining, the Clippers looking to blaze
their trail to the playoffs. After beating the Trailblazers at home one thirty six
to one twenty five and down sad Los Angeles, the Clippers get the victory,
they dominate the second half. Welcome into your post games show. This
is Clippers Talk. I'm at a Moslin to eight seven seven five two zero
eleven fifty eight seven seven five two zero eleven fifty is the phone number or
get to me at follow Adam a on Twitter. Coming up here, we'll
have postgame audio from the head coach in Sirron lou and the players in Charles
Mockler from Clips and Dip pod will be here. Not a good first half
of the Clippers, to say the least. It looked like your typical lifeless
slow start on an afternoon contest at home. The Intuit Dome cannot come soon
enough, and the Clippers were down big in the first quarter. They trailed
after one thirty three to twenty six. Blazers, led by as many as
nine in the first twelve minutes, got the jump on them and the Clippers
couldn't hit a shot from the outside. They started oh for seven from three
until Robert Covington hit one with about ten minutes left in the second quarter.
That was the first shot they would hit from the outside. This is the
team that has been the best squad in the NBA post All Star Break from
three, just like last season, and that was with a lot of different
guys out. But the Clippers are doing the same thing, getting back to
that hot shooting post All Star Break. They've been the best team from distance
in the league. As I'm trying to pull up the exact number right now,
believe it's over thirty nine percent from the outside over the last twenty games.
There's twenty one post All Star Break. They have one more to play.
And yeah, thirty nine point nine percent is where they're at in their
last nineteen. That's a great sign. Problem is the shooting wasn't there to
start, and while they were getting into the paint. The Portland Trail Blazers
even while down many men, including Damian Lillard, who they shut down I
think a week ago. Now. Sometimes a team can be scary when you
have a lot of unknowns in terms of players out there on the court that
you just haven't seen before. Like Shaden's Sharp who went off with twenty six.
Now he's gotten run this season for the Portland Trail Blazers, but a
lot of these guys have not, and they're trying to impress and play their
best. They just took a game from the Timberwolves in Minnesota recently. That
was a huge loss for the t Wolves. They needed that game and they're
taking on the Pelicans tomorrow and that could be a huge game depending on what
the Clippers do in Phoenix. But a wounded animals sometimes a dangerous one devily
you know better than the one you don't, and the Blazers got to jump
on him. They were up at the half by six. Clippers gave up
seventy points in the first half. At defensive intensity that we saw throughout most
of the ball game Wednesday night against Los Angeles Lakers just wasn't there, just
wasn't consistently there in the first twenty four minutes, and the Clippers were trying
to trade buckets and they were down seventy to sixty four at the half after
they went four a fourteen from three to start the first half of this one.
But that's when things were turned back in their favor. That third quarter,
the Clippers just were on a roll from the outside. Nicholas Batoum,
after missing his first couple, would hit his next three, i want to
say, from the outside, and he was three for three in the third
quarter. The Clippers as a team eighth fourteen from distance in the third.
Kawhi Leonard had thirteen of his twenty seven points in the third quarter. Eric
Gordon, who had a rough one, just one of six from the outside,
but that one a deep Logo Lillard esque type of three pointer against the
Portland Trailblazers, and Eric Gordon is good for those, it's what he does.
He knocked down shots early against the Lakers Wednesday night. Couldn't find a
shot till the s and half, but it came at the right time,
and the Clippers outscored the Portland Trailblazers forty five to twenty six. In the
third. Things turned back in their favor in a hurry, and it wasn't
just the hot shooting. Now, when you're knocking down shots, you got
a better chance to set your defense, and defensively, the Clippers were a
lot better in that third. I thought a Vizza Zubots played with a lot
of force at the rim. He had a huge block, but just the
way he was rotating and finding guys who had either beaten their number one assignment
off the dribble and got by him, a Visa Zubots was then waiting for
him in the paint patrolling. Visa Zubots is one of the best rim protectors
in the league, has been all season long and finished with fourteen and ten,
and really early on he was their main source of offense. I want
to say he had a quick eight points eight and five in the first quarter
and had a big throw down Bones Highland I think found him for a lob
at one point that Bones Aaron's Man t Bones combination continues to provide energy for
this Clippers team along with Norman Powell, and he followed up as twenty seven
point outing against the Lakers on Wednesday at twenty three tonight. Didn't hit a
three, but twenty three on fourteen shots. That's good because why he was
getting to the free throw line. Didn't go ten of ten like he did
against the Lakers nine of eleven, but still five assists, zero turnovers.
Norman Powell starting to peak or get back to where he was in January and
February before the shoulder injury and before you know, there was a lot of
turnover on this roster and rolls were still being carved out and guys were switching
things up, and normal wasn't the starting lineup some but just looks much more
comfortable coming off the bench and Eric Gordon being the starter right now with Paul
George out for the Clippers. And really like the fact that Norman Powell has
that burst because remember it was a shoulder injury, not a lower body leg
injury anything like that, so he still looks absolutely as spry as ever and
just continue used to turn the corner on players, get around them with a
burst of speed, get to the hoop with ease, was getting a lot
of easy layups that way, just like he was against the Lakers. You
need a guy with that quickness that can just get you easy buckets and get
to the free throw line, because sometimes when your offense isn't there, shots
aren't falling, get into the charity stripe can cure what ails you. You
can find a rhythm there and build off of it. And him going nine
of eleven from the free throw line was big. He had nine of the
Clippers made twenty six free throws as they attempt at thirty. That's a great
number for them. They shot eighty seven percent as a team because Kawhi Leonard
went ten of ten from the charity stripe. Slow start for him, had
fourteen points, but wasn't that efficient in the first half. But in that
third quarter thirteen of his twenty seven knocking down threes had a big block.
You could just tell the defensive energy and the intensity ratchet it up in the
second half, and the Clippers knew they could put that one away in the
third quarter and let Kauhi rest as he didn't even played twenty nine minutes.
He was just under that So I would think and we'll hear from the head
coaching a little bit, but he will be available for tomorrow's game because the
Clippers still need it right now. The games of consequence next to them in
the Western Conference, Warriors taken on the Blazers tomorrow, Pelicans taken on the
Minnesota Timberwolves. They're all tipping off with the Clippers taking on the Phoenix Suns
at the same time. So any funny business, any shenanigans out there where
we're trying to lose, to manipulate your place in the standings and maybe try
to get the Sacramento Kings instead of the Phoenix Suns in the first round by
dropping into the six spot. It's gonna be tough to maneuver because the other
teams are playing at the exact same time. So if you're trying to lose
late and we don't know what Phoenix is gonna look like or how much they're
gonna play their starters, I would guess at least the first quarter of first
half tomorrow, just because they haven't had a ton of time with Kevin Durant
out there. They are undefeated with him, but they just rested everybody against
the Lakers last night. I think with one more game and then five days
off before the first round starts. For the Suns, they'll play their starters
sum my guests early on, but they might only play the first half.
So we'll see what the Clippers do. I would expect them to come out
guns of blazing, trying to play sound basketball, building good habits. That's
what you want to do as the playoffs come around. They got one game
left, but good signs out there. Russell Westbrook also had seven points in
that third quarter. Nicholas Batoum had all nine of his points courtesy of the
three point line and him finding his stroke in the third quarter, and that's
where the Clippers pulled away and they would end up winning by eleven in a
game they had to have against the team that obviously as an eye on next
season. They're playing out the string right now. The Portland Trailblazers, they've
shut everyone down. Now, they weren't a game out of the play in
like the Dallas Mavericks and shutting everyone down. They were thirty three to forty
seven coming into today's ball game, so they already were well out of the
postseason picks. And to be honest, it's a smart move. Get the
highest draft pick you can and keep Damian Lillard healthy, and we'll see what
happens with that situation come in this summer, because I don't know if at
some point as much as Dame doesn't want to run from the grind or go
anywhere else, and he's a Portland Trailblazer for life, if they're going to
be rebuilding, he talked about it before, but he may not want to
stay around for something like that. You just never know if he becomes available,
so you gotta keep them in bubble wrap. So perhaps to the Portland
Trailblazers, they played hard, they played together in that first half, and
they put up seventy on the Clippers, but the Clippers outscored them by seventeen
in the second half and did what they had to do, and guys who
had been in rhythm overall stayed there. Good game for Mason Plumley once again.
I thought he'd had one of his better games than the Clippers uniform Wednesday
night against the Lakers. He had eleven and four and a couple of assists,
four or four shooting. But that's someone who you're gonna need at times
in the playoffs. If the Clippers are taking on Janzre eight and the Phoenix
Suns on that first round, it's not just gonna be a Vista Zoo bots
on him. Mason Plumbly a big body, but the Clippers did go small
a few different times. We saw a lineup with Kawai Roco Terrence Man in
the front court with then Norman Bones out there, and that's kind of when
they made that second half push to close out things at the end of the
third quarter or to have a double digit lead heading into the fourth. So
coach Lew I think starting to tip his head a little bit because these games
are pivotal just to be a top six seed and stay out of the play
and you got to win these ones. The only way to ensure yourself that
is by winning tomorrow against the Suns. There is a scenario where they lose
and they only drop to the sixth spot. If the Minnesota Timberwolves end up
beating the New Orleans Pelicans and the Golden State Warriors win over the Blazers,
that's how it could happen, and then all of a sudden you're in a
bracket taking on the Kings in the first round. Be careful what you wish
for. Sacramento has been the best offense in the league, but then they
would have that side of the bracket where you're looking at maybe a second round
matchup should you get past the first round against a team like the Memphis Grizzlies,
and depending on who they're playing in the first round and that two seven
matchup. So there's still so many unknowns. But the important thing is for
the Clippers to continue to get ready for the playoffs by playing good basketball and
just doing what they need to do out there in terms of playing good defense,
and hopefully they put it together for longer than just a second half tomorrow
or a first half, because this is still a team that has been up
and down defensively for quite some time now since November first, nineteenth. Best
defense, the potential is there, Yes, we've seen it in spurts,
but the consistency hasn't been so any more minutes they can get, any more
run they can get out there in tomorrow's game against the Phoenix Suns is still
valuable for them. It's still a time where they can build up continuity and
chemistry and have that discipline on the defensive end. Because shots are gonna come
and go. You have to rely on your defense. Teams that win championships.
Yes, it's an old cliche defense wins championships, but it's true.
You have to play some You typically have to be a top ten defense.
I'm pretty sure every team has ever won has been top ten in that category
in the modern era. Javier and Lahabra Heights start things off today on Clipper
Stock after they win one thirty six to one twenty five over the Blazers.
Javier, what's up? They Wan's stock at him again again, thank you
for taking my call real quick. I didn't actually didn't see the game.
I forgot it was. The game started at one, so I just watched
the last to be four or five minutes and I'm looking at the stats and
they had twelve turnovers, but I believe the last four or five minutes they
had three or three or four. So at the end of you know,
those are for the turnovers. Definitely would have had eight nine during the game.
So yeah, that's the way you got to play in the playoffs.
You gotta protect the ball. You cannot turn the ball over. Value possessions
because they become much more important in the playoffs, which is typically why the
game slows down a little bit. Correct, And also, like pat Riley
used to say when he was with the Lakers, rebounding wins rings. So
they had I'm looking at it, fifty one rebounds and twenty a half thirty
four, So they got to keep it up with the rebounding. So that's
that's also another thing that I looked at it. Yeah, another things.
Nothing had a question. I already know the scenario. Clippers win tomorrow,
they have the five seeds, they lose, and then let's say the Warriors
win, and then the Palatians win, they're they'll be a seventh seed.
Is that correct? I believe they'd be in the seventh spot then because they'd
have the tiebreaker over the Lakers, and that would be the seven eight matchup
in the playing got it? Okay, that happens and they're in the seventh
teams that scenario and they win that playing in tournament whatever. Who My question
is, who did he plan the first round? If they won the game
in the seven eighth matchup against the Lakers, they would become the seventh seed
and take on the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. If they lost to
the Lakers, then they would play the winner of the nine ten game winner
of that becomes the A seed, got it. So I mean it just
it's risky because, like you said earlier, I didn't know they're offering at
the same time tomorrow. But of course you want the sixth seed. You
don't want to play Seenix. I mean, if you have to, you
have to, of course, but I mean you rather play Sacramento. They're
younger and Kemeron Durant. I don't know if he says something in the media
that whoever it plays, he's gonna be ready. So it just scary thoughts.
But I mean, it just it's hard to you know, see what
do you do? But they likely don't have a choice, all right,
They likely, you know, they need to win that game tomorrow to secure
a spot the top six, which is much more important even if you're having
a take on the Phoenix Suns on the first round, to get a top
six seed, to get that time off before the first round instead of being
in a play in tournament where you don't know what could happen. Just look
back to last season with the Clippers. They lost the first game in Minnesota,
then they didn't have Paul George in the second game. He was out
because of COVID, and they lost to the Pelicans and didn't even make the
playoffs. Oh, you're right, I forgot about the you're you're right.
You know the time off? Just yeah, they come, what a five
or sixteen to get to get a week off, So yeah, I guess
it's better, especially because we're talking about them trying to get Paul George back.
Javier and I appreciate the phone call. They need all the rest they
can get. You just can't leave things to chance and put yourself in the
tournament, especially another showdown with the Lakers. You would think at some point
they're due to beat the Clippers, but yeah, you'll lose that first game.
Then you're in a must win situation that could just be disastrous. So
hopefully they just take care of business tomorrow against the Phoenix Suns, and I'm
guessing nobody at some point, And as I mentioned, I think Phoenix plays
some of their guys early on, but at some point they're going to hold
back because they're seeing this as a first round matchup. You don't want to
give too much away, keep your cards close to your vest fear chest and
not give any game plan assignments away as you're heading into a seven game series
against that group. Tomorrow could be viewed as game zero that seven game series.
We'll take a quick time out. We'll come back. Get to your
phone calls eight seven seven zero eleven fifty eight seven seven zero eleven fifty.
Got postgame audio coming up as well. Clippers win one thirty six to one
twenty five over the Portland Trail Players in Game eighty one, final game of
this twenty two twenty three regular season tomorrow in Phoenix. Still a lot on
the line for the Clippers, it says Clippers stock here on the Patriot amalym
fifty, who is blocked by George This is La Clippers basketball. He is
a one man record crawl that he frets a man on the home of your
LA Clippers. Hey, my ma's aerodis boss called. Clippers win over the
Blazers one thirty six to one twenty five. You lose though with me singing
this Billy Ray Cyrus Verse. Clippers have one game left here in the regular
season tomorrow in Phoenix, which could be a playoff of a first round series
against the Suns. Tip off for that one is at twelve thirty. Will
have Clippers count Dan your pregame show starting at eleven thirty. While we have
a moment, let's pause ten seconds for station identification. Here on the Patriot
AM eleven fifty, This is LA Clippers Basketball AM eleven fifty k d IB,
Los Angeles, an iHeart radio station. I heard listeners of the Patriot
EM eleven fifty. Love that song. Let's go with Greg and Newport.
Greg. What's up, hey, Adam? What's happening Mary? What's good?
Greg? Listen? Bro I didn't I didn't get a chance to see
the game there. I had to work. But I got a couple of
things for you, Adam. First of all, I want to thank you
man for bringing to the attention of Fred, mister Fred Rogan Friday my comments
on Thursday night. He did a complete three sixty on Friday? Did I
did I not try to hold him to it? Though, yes you did.
But you know what, Adam, he had nowhere else to go,
so he had to do it three sixty. But my question today for you,
Adam is this, Uh does Phoenix stand to lose any ground on that
fourth seed if they win and lose tomorrow. No, they're right there for
see, regardless, right they are. Okay, So my thing is,
I don't think they're gonna play their starters tomorrow if they if they're gonna be
seated in the forced by regardless of whether they win and lose, I don't
see them playing their starters tomorrow at all. I could see them playing the
first quarter, the first half maybe, but no more than that, just
because they haven't gotten a ton of raps with Kevin Durant and they just rested
everybody last night against the Lakers. True up, one more thing. I'll
let you go, Adam, what is the status on my man PG man?
All right, I'll give it to you. We heard this earlier from
Andrew griff of the La Times. The Clippers did reveal that I want to
make sure I'm accurate here, so I'm pulling up the quote now. Quotes
are coming out post game. We're gonna hear from the head coach Shron lou
In just a bit here. But via the Clippers, Paul continues to undergo
exercises and therapies to rehabilitate his sprain knee. There is no timeline for his
return to play, so kind of a non update update, but he is
rehabilitating that sprain right knee. We'll see what happens. I'm still hopeful that
he can come back at some point in the first round. But the Clippers
still need to get to the first round. They win tomorrow, they'll be
in the five spot, taking on the Phoenix Suns in the first round.
They lose, they would need help to stay a top six seed, and
it would come from the Minnesota Timberwolves if they can beat the Pelicans. If
the Golden State Warriors then won over the Blazers, who they have tomorrow,
that would put the Clippers in a three six matchup against the Sacramento Kings,
starting on the road up at the Golden One Center here in the playoffs.
Mitch, and in Jersey, Mitch, what's up? You're on? Clippers?
Styckledout on my aw figuring Adams happy Holidays? Do you film? Do
you and your son? I want to see better defense and he knocks.
I think he's just playing out the strings. He's been a buzz but I
think we've got the guys have played better. Even if we gotta win tomorrow
and you gotta get the rest that's the most important I want to see playing
this playing games. It's too much risk there. I didn't see any triple
doubles by Westbrook this with with our Clippers in them. We do we have
a first round pick who you didn't what position they'd be looking forward to it
if they do have a first round pick next year, and thanks for taking
my call, Well, it's gonna depend on how the season ends before we
know something like that. I do believe they have this upcoming first round pick.
I'd have to check on that and confirm. But come on, miss,
we're talking about playoffs here. We're not that worried yet. We're talking
about the offseason and moves that could be made. Let's focus on the task
at hand. Clippers and Phoenix tomorrow and they could be slotted for that first
round matchup Damien in La Damian, what's up? Triple A baby? Another
good win. I was really happy to see the team come back, bounce
back. You know. Kauai uh, you know, look like he was,
you know, having a little bit of a little bit of a rough
time, you know, getting started in that one. But he corrected himself,
so that was good. But I don't want to spend so much time
on the game because we needed that win. We knew we were gonna get
it. Looking forward, you know, like I don't want to look past
Phoenix. But assuming that we win that game, it's very clear. It's
very clear to me what we need to do to make a deep playoff run.
Everything is just locking in mentally, you know, you look at the
fundamentals, you see the things tighten up. Already playing a lot better just
by doing the small thing. So we just need to keep that going.
I quit it. What's the Westbrooks for a lot of that. But my
big thing and the reason why I wanted to call in this is a called
Clipper Nation. Clipper Nation, let's go, baby. Seeing a lot of
energy from the guys out there. I was a little miss that the biggest
pop of the night came from the chicken sandwich. But I'm gonna let it
fly. This is one. But we need our fans come playoff time,
baby, No more of this passive stuff. Get there on time. See
the shoot around. You know these kids are really into it. I need
the adults to pick up that energy, baby, so we can, you
know, play our part and get these guys the championship and leave Crypto crumbling,
you know, and the first game that we have in our new arena.
Hey, wouldn't that be wonderful if that was the ring ceremony? Adam?
Which you think about that playoff? Well, they still have one more
season before going into the into It Dome, so the Clippers have an opportunity
to win a championship this season and next season before that. But it's not
a bad thought there, Damian in La. I do think if they're taking
on the Phoenix Sells in the first round, there will be no issue with
Clipper Nation rising up and making their voices hurt because the Sons took him out
in the Western Conference finals a couple of years ago when the Clippers did not
have Kawhi Leonard. They also have Chris Paul, who is an all time
Clipper great of course, but now he's the enemy. He's on the other
team. So it would be a ravenous group. I know Clipper Nation would
be all over Phoenix when they are playing those games, if they are playing
those games at Crypto dot com arena, should that be the first round matchup?
Let's hear from the head coach though. Postgame, Clippers win by eleven
over the Blazers one thirty six to one twenty five. Here was coach slow
afterwards, I've played speech given before that second half. Yeah, yeah,
well you guys are getting to win anyways. Looking ahead, though, you
guys face an opponent tomorrow that you very well could face a week from now
if you haven't seen that, this version of this team with Katie, and
just curious what your thoughts on they've played, how you guys kind of match
up there, but for tomorrow, for the playoffs tomorrow, of course.
I mean, any team that acquires Katie, you know, you have a
chance to win it all. And we understand that. And so I think
since he played, I mean they wanted they want eight in a row,
and I think, you know, whatever the record he is with him,
it's phenomenal as well. So we know it's a you know, it's a
tough task. They're a really good team, and so we just gotta be
prepared and ready to go tomorrow, which we will be about the playoffs.
I don't know what I'm about. The playoffs A tie of all the of
all the different variables that contribute to what your comfort level is off the team
handing of the playoffs, where do you rank avoiding the play in tournament with
a would our rank? What? Okay, there's there's so many variables that
can contribute to what your comfort level is of the group Hayting of the playoffs?
Where do you rank gaining a fifth or six seed in that whole question?
Uh, I mean I feel good. I just want to get in,
you know, don't matter what's he you know, I just want to
get in and have a chance to play in the playoffs again since we missed
him last year, you know. And so my main focus is doing whatever
we gotta do to make it to the playoffs, and that's our main focus
to that third quarter. Obviously the offense click, but uh, you needed
to obviously do a lot more in the second half defensively. What was better
in the second half on that and compared to the first half. We made
some changes on putting Zoo on a different guy and putting Nico on Watford who's
at their playmaker and a guy who can catch it in the middle and make
plays and he can shoot the three, and so we had to change some
matchups. But just the biggest thing just o mentality, like you know,
can't come into a game like we did and played the way we played in
the first half, like we gotta be more professional and more locked in.
So I thought in the third quarter we had more of a physicality. I
thought Nico's pressed up the floor of with Watford just trying to take him out
of you know, easy catches and picking roles be had to switch. I
thought really helped us out a lot, you know. And so just having
the professional mindset that you know, we're playing for something and then we're trying
to, you know, do something special, so you can have first halfs
like that, you know, especially against you know, I know the young
team, they played hard, they compete, but we just had to have
a different mindset, which we did have in that first half. Offensive push,
yes, for sure. Yeah, just defensively, be able to get
stops, be able to get deflections, you know, rust out in the
open court, getting to the paint and making the right play. Nico got
a few threes because of that, you know. So just our mindset and
the defensive presence in that third quarter was really good. There was coach Lupo's
game after the Clippers would win one thirty six to one twenty five and turn
things around in that second half. After giving up seventy points in the first
half, they outscored the Blazers by seventeen in the second half. And it
was that big third quarter where they wanted forty five to twenty six and win
eight to fourteen from just Stin Snickols buttomb with three of those Some adjustments there
from coach lou more of those to come, but talked about at the very
beginning there that halftime speech, a lot of swear and he wasn't happy with
the way the Clippers came out and really slept walked into this one. They
just didn't come out with the right defensive mindset. They talk about it all
season long, defensive intensity. You have to have it for forty eight minutes
come playoff time. And even though it could be a trap game, you
could be looking past the Blazers for the game tomorrow against the Phoenix Suns.
That's how you get beat. Happened in Minnesota recently against the Portland Trail Blazers
after they shut down Damian Lillard. You'll let it to let young team get
confidence early and they can burn you. And I thought they played pretty well
and more connected offensively in that first half than the Clippers, who just were
a step slow on the defensive end until that third quarter. Good to see
him flip the switch. Hey, I guess at this point they have to
be a flip the switch team because if you're best going to be in the
five spot in the West. Well, in the last twenty five thirty years
now, the only team that has won a championship that's been lower than a
three seed would be the ninety five Houston Rockets. They were the sixth seed
that went on to win it all and established Clutch City, winning all those
must win games during their playoff run with their backs against the wall. For
the Clippers to be able to pull it off, it's gonna take something that
magical. And if they are taking on the Phoenix Suns in the first round
talent wise, that feels much more like a Western Conference finals matchup. I've
brought this comparison up before, but it's similar to what we saw in twenty
fifteen when the Clippers were taken on the defending champs the Spurs with Kawhi Leonard
in the first round in the three six matchup were on the final day of
the regular season. Unfortunately, the Clippers had the tough draw of taking on
San Antonio. Now, they would win that series in seven thanks to CP
three and his heroics with that big shot, but I thought it took a
lot out of them, and part of the reason they would end up losing
and blowing a three one lead the second round to the Houston Rockets in twenty
fifteen was because everything they had to expend energy wise just to win that first
round series against a team coming off winning a championship over the Miami Heat the
year before in the San Antonio Spurs. So like path of least resistance matters,
but more importantly than anything is staying out of the play in tournament and
not leaving your fate up to chance more by turning it into double elimination and
then single elimination if you lose that first game, just can't risk it.
They got to find a way to win that game tomorrow and we'll see where
the Chips fall. They win, they're in the fifth spot. They're taking
on the Phoenix Suns. That's the situation in the four five. Should they
beat Phoenix tomorrow, who we don't know how many guys they're gonna play Phoenix
could somewhat side who they want to play in the first round. If they
beat the Clippers, they would help their cause and taken on the Golden State
Warriors if they wanted them. If they lose the Clippers or they're guaranteed the
Clippers in the first round. So we'll see what happens. It's going to
be interesting. This is par for the course final couple of days in the
NBA. You see a lot of this stuff. Team's jockeying for position in
the standings. Sometimes there's a team out there you want to avoid. A
lot of people are seeing that as the Phoenix Suns right now. But I
think sneakily the Clippers do match up pretty well against them, certainly in style
of play. Now, a lot of this could depend on win or if
Paul George is able to return for them. But as good as Phoenix could
be, and they've only played a handful of games so far with Kevin Durant,
maybe you'd rather catch them early in the playoffs then later when they've built
up more chemistry. So we'll see. Comes down to tomorrow's game in Phoenix
tipping off a twelve thirty, we'll have your pregame show here at eleven thirty
Quick time out coming back with Charles Mockler of Clips and Dip and back to
your phone calls eight seven seven five two zero eleven fifty eight seven seven five
two zero eleven fifty plus you'll hear from a Vizza Zubots after the Clippers win
Game eighty one, one thirty six to one twenty five over the Portland Trailblazers.
More Clipper stock next right here on the Patriot em eleven fifty oh,
Paul George La Clippers Basketball continue pisen his pains as he carries the three on
the home of your LA Clippers. Clippers are victorious. It dominates the second
half and win one thirty six to one twenty five over the Portland Trailblazers in
their final regular season home game. Tomorrow, they're in Phoenix taking on the
Suns in Game eighty two, and this just came down the line. The
Phoenix Suns will be without Kevin Urant, Chris Paul, Devin Booker, DeAndre
Aiden, Cameron Payne, and Bismack beyond Bow. They are all out,
so it looks like they want the Clippers in the first round because of the
Clippers win that game, tomorrow they will be in the five spot taking on
the Suns in the four five matchup. Welcome back in this is Clippers Talk
here on the Patriot AM eleven fifty coming up. Back to your phone calls
at eight seven seven five two zero eleven fifty. Eight seven seven five two
zero eleven fifty is the phone number right now. Chuck Montler, though from
Clips and Dip, is joining us, does the podcast with myself and will
Updyke okay, Chuck. Process wise, not a great first half from the
Clippers against the Portland Trail Blazers, and apparently they heard about it at the
half from coach lew who got them fired up and locked in to start to
play some better defense. In that third quarter where the Clippers knocked down a
bunch of three pointers and created that separation. It was good to see that
they figured it out eventually, but it took a half for them to get
there. Yeah, And I think Joseph Fryan Award said something funny to me.
He said, you can't judge this Clippers team before seven pm, which
I think kind of does hold some weight to it, But I don't know.
I'm not gonna pretend like I wasn't disappointed in the first half. I
think a lot of fam we're wondering, Hey, if you can't get up
for the eighty first game of the season against the team you know that we
were this This Blazer's team wasn't exactly at full strength, you know, when
can you get up? But it was nice to see them, you know,
locking in the second quarter of the shooting was better, you know,
fifty seven percent and that, excuse me, in that second half is pretty
unbelievable. So you'll take that every time. But I mean it's I'm disappointed
the Suns are sitting everybody tomorrow because I still think this Clippers team needs reps
against full strength squads because you know, like that's problem. Yeah, not
the Sun problem for sure, But you know, I hope we see good
process. I hope that Kawhi doesn't have to play in the second half tomorrow.
I hope, you know a lot of the starters have to play in
the second half tomorrow against you know, a vet heavy Sun team that will
be faithful. Yeah, Kawhi Leonard played under thirty minutes in this one,
but it certainly is a statement that the Suns want the Clippers because, yeah,
if they played their guys and they won that ball game, they would
likely get the Golden State Warriors. So I wonder what this is gonna do
for you know, some of that material. You need to feel a slight
or to have a chip on your shoulder for the Clippers, because the Phoenix
Suns, they're saying right now, we want you. We like that first
round matchup against the Clippers team that could be without Paul George throughout the entire
series. Yeah, and I think weirdly, you look at how the Suns
play and it's you know, it's a lot of long twos. I think
they're number one in you know, basically long two attempts in the league since
they've gotten KD and you know he hasn't played too many games for him,
but I think we can kind of see the outlines where their offense is going
to be. And they don't play very fast. So if you're the Clippers,
you can lock in defensively with that half court defense and make things harder
series wise, that is a more favorable matchup than maybe again, you know,
a team like the Kings, who they've had I think the best half
court offense since the All Star Break, and you know some guys who can
really run after an older Clippers seemed like this. So of all the teams
to play, obviously no one wanted to be on the plane, but the
Suns stylistically matched up. I'm not going to say well with the Clippers because
it still is Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Genre eightman, Chris Paul,
but I think a little better than some of their other options. Yeah,
that makes sense to me. I was talking about it before the break.
There are advantages to taking on the Phoenix Suns. That's one of them.
Just pace of play. I think it's more in the Clippers comfort zone than
playing against the Sacrament of Kings and the way they like to get up and
down and put up one hundred and seventy six points on you in a game
that actually happened when the Clippers lost one seventy six seventy five. But also,
the Clippers depth could really coming to play against a Phoenix Suns team that
had to give up depth to bring in Kevin Durant. That's where I think
the series would have to be one. Should the Clippers get a victory over
them, should that be the first round matchup in the four five. The
Clippers have a huge advantage depth wise, they really do. They have a
big advantage depthwise. The Suns are gonna stagger you know those four guys I
just talked about to try and mitigate, you know, the their depth issues.
I guess, which I don't think it's surprised to anybody, but we're
gonna need some guys to show up. We saw some road code minutes,
We've seen this nine man rotation, you know, these last two days.
No rumblings of Morris coming back, So I think we're we know what we're
gonna get for this first round matchup. So we need that depth to be
you know, if we need a couple of those guys to be able to
be as good as one of their core four or two of their four when
they're on the floor without the other two guys. Should Paul George not be
able to return, who do you think it would be the second most important
player on the Clippers behind Kawhi Leonard against Phoenix. Because of the way that
this team has decided to go about the post All Star Break and post trade
deadline things, it literally has to be Russell Westbrook. He's gonna get the
second most shots up of anybody probably from the Slippers team going, you know,
into these playoffs, it needs to be Russ. You bring Russ in
to play this many minutes, it has to be Russell Westbrook. Is it
shooting gonna hold up? I really hope. So, I don't know if
we'll get sixty four percent from him the whole series like we did today against
this Blazer's team, But he's got to be close and other than Russ,
I mean, picker poison, right, Is it going to be Norm with
his efficient twenty? Is it gonna be Bones with you know, kind of
a flashy out of nowhere, you know, twelve and a couple of nice
assists? Is it gonna be tearing on both them? After that? It's
it's kind of a gum bo I guess and who you want to pick.
But because of the way that this team has decided to construct themselves after the
All Star break, it has to be Russell Westbrook. I think from a
more national perspective, or if you're a Phoenix Suns fan, you would assume
that DeAndre Aiden has a big advantage over a Vizza's Zoo Bots, But I
don't feel like that at all. If Big Zoo didn't get hurt in that
series in the Western Conference finals, people forget that it wasn't just missing Kawhi
Leonard. You know, it could have gone seven. Maybe it goes the
Clippers way. I feel like Vizza Zubots is matched up very well against DeAndre
Aden and he's playing well fourteen and tend today. He's one of or if
not the longest tenured Clipper and he wants a little bit of revenge from that
value, which is an absolutely absurd play that we had to be on the
wrong end of. But I think Zoo's gonna be fired up. Love to
see him leaned on early today. Obviously not going to be the same kind
of roster we play in the Suns during the playoffs, but if they can
get zooed, it's low confidence early that goes a real lee long way to
helping him get stops, which, as we know, with both the starters
and the bench, and he's out there with the bench neket stops, they're
gonna score. And you would definitely know that he's out there at the starters
stops they're gonna score. You mentioned him a little bit earlier, but all
we talked about bones Highland on the cliffs and dip pod, and if he's
not turning it over, if he's given good effort defensively, I feel like
there are minutes there to be had because he offers so much. I know
he had an off game shooting wise, just three of eleven one of seven
from the outside against the Portland Trail Blazers, but he could swing a game
in your favor with just his explosive, incendiary scoring and also passing out there.
He could be a difference maker. Yeah, the passing is vice.
I don't think he'll have, you know, the opportunity to go one for
seven of the playoffs, I think from three, I think the least she'll
be a little bit shorter on Bogues. But I really hope him the finishing
is a little more controlled. He's going to get a shot at the rim.
We've seen his first step is great. He's really sifty, kind of
Jamal Crawford esque with some of those moves, So I hope it's finishingly at
the rim is gonna be on point. But when he gets on a hot
you know, when he gets on a heater, he's hard to slow down.
The Clippers have also had success should they take on the Phoenix Suns against
CP three with giving him problems. I know he had the big game six,
close out game against them, but I liked when Terrence Man was matched
up against him. Anna Vitza Zubos played him very well, not letting him
get to some of his sweet spots on the right elbow. And Chris Paul
obviously an older player now, not the same guy even he was just two
years ago. But that's another, you know, key matchup depending on who
the Clippers throw at him. Yeah, I'm a little and that one was
without KD, so we're exact. Have to watch how the off ball defense
was looking tomorrow when the starters are playing, who's gonna be engaged in things
like that, because it's a whole other ball game when Chris Paul and Kevin
Grant are on the floor together. But you are right, I think he's
gonna be okay. But I'm a little I'm a little nervous. I'm excited
to see this Clipper's team really lock in and hopefully, you know, treat
these playoffs kind of the other way maybe treated this regular season. Clippers win
one thirty six to one twenty five over the Portland trail Blazers. They're in
Phoenix tomorrow. They win. They are the five seed and the Sun's arresting.
Everyone is Chuck Mockler from Clips and dip pod does it with myself and
William Updyke. Will either have a tripod for you tomorrow night when we know
definitively the Clippers path or on Monday night. Charles, thanks for doing this,
Thanks for having me. Talks to coming up next postgame audio from Avisa
Zubos will close things out. Final thoughts. Clippers win by eleven over the
Portland Trailblazers at Crypto dot com arena and you're listening to Clipper's talk here on
the Patriot AM eleven fifty, who was blocked by George this LA Clippers basketball.
He is a one man on the home of your LA Clippers. Clippers
win one thirty six to one twenty five over the Portland Trailblazers from Downsound,
Los Angeles. This is Clipperstock. I'm Adam Oslin on the Patriot AM eleven
fifty. Clippers in Phoenix tomorrow to close out the regular season against a team
that is resting all of their main guys because it looks like they want the
Clippers in the first round. Clippers win that game over the Suns tomorrow,
they'll be the five seed. Suns in that four spot, they may just
stay in Phoenix. I doubt it, though, with five days off before
the start of the first round. Should things end up that way, and
you know what, Clipper Nation, things have never come easy for the Clippers
this regular season, where we thought, hey, they may flirt with winning
sixty for the first time in franchise history. They're at forty three wins,
and should they take on the Suns in the first round, that would mean
they are not only in the Sun's bracket, but in the Denver Nuggets bracket
and would take on the winner if they could beat Phoenix of the one eight
matchup, likely the Denver Nuggets, who have won ninth straight against the Clippers
and have their number and came back on them down three one in the Bubble
in twenty twenty. Sorry to bring it up, could just be apropos.
The Clippers need the toughest challenge, the road less traveled. It's always been
that way for them. Well, I started anything different now and be careful
what you wish for. If you took on Sacramento in the first round the
three six matchup, King's playing with a lot of house money. They weren't
even supposed to be in this position this season. Morris in Inglewood, you're
on Clipper stock without amsl and closing things out. Morris Middle was a party.
It was a party at the Adam Middle of the party. It was
the Clippers got this, Norman Powell of Kawaii Westbrook. They got a team.
The thing that I noticed today, though, Adam, was the coaches
don't sit down anymore. Remember John Winton. I never saw understand it up,
but it seemed like Tywoo and Billis was up for every dribble. Let
him be played for every symble. But there was a party that took place
today at the Crypto Place. It was unbelievable. If you have never been
to one of them games, you have got to go to take your kids
to one of them games. I even like the mascots that they got.
I know I'm an adult and everything, but I like the mascots. It
was beautiful and Adam, I love you, man. I don't owe that
way, but I love you and go Clippers. Thank you, Morris.
I appreciate the phone call, Love you too. Clippers win one thirty six
to one twenty five over the Portland trail Blazers. Tomorrow we'll seal their fate.
They're taking on the Suns in Phoenix, whether or not they're a top
six seed or they have to come out of the play in tournament just to
get in a seven game series. Tip time against the Suns Tomorrow Clippers closed
things out on the road is at twelve thirty. We'll have your pregame show
starting at eleven thirty. Before we get out of here. I do want
to thank the Clippers organization. Should Noah Eagle, Brian Semen, Ralph Flawler,
Big Brother, Jake Corner, Katie Newton back in the bank, Dennis
Dagastinho, the callers, the listeners. I'm at a Maslin will join you
tomorrow for Game eighty two of the regular seasons. The Clippers close things out
on the road in Phoenix against the Suns and a possible first round playoff preview
who that we'll do it all? Then I'll be here. This has been
Clippers Talk. A postgame conversation about your LA Clippers with Adam Oslaft. If
you like the show, subscribe to Clippers Talk on the iHeart Radio, wapp
or wherever you podcast the best. This team has those championship ingredients. They
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