Season Update 1

After 12 games, the Clippers are 6-6, not exactly the start you would expect (still better than the pelicans though). After losing to the Rockets at home, the Clippers went  2-4, beating the Pistons and Grizzlies, losing to the Mavs, Suns, Trail Blazers and intense rivals the Golden State Warriors (14-0 grrrrr).

To be fair the Clippers did suffer minor injuries in Chris Paul and J.J. Redick, so the lack luster performance of late isn't to be unexpected.

Hopefully the Clippers will turn this around on Sunday against the 8-6 Toronto Raptors at home.

Regular Season Game 6: Clippers 109-105 Rockets

It was a rematch of the eastern conference semi finals last year when the Houston Rockets came to L.A. to face the Clippers. Unfortunately, Chris Paul was out for the game because of a groin injury. However, that didn't stop this game being very exciting. The Clippers held a small lead most of the first half before the Rockets took a 10 point lead late in the third and early in the fourth.

The Clippers trailed 105-98. A J.J. Redick layup brought them within 5, two Blake Griffin free throws cut the deficit to 3, a Paul Pierce three pointer then tied the game at 105. James Harden hit two free throws to put the Rockets up by two, Blake Griffin then missed a shot followed by a missed tip-in. The Clippers bench strongly protested that there was goaltending on the play (in fact, it was admitted by the NBA later that it was, but that sort of thing just happens sometimes). Two Ty Lawson free throws ultimately gave the Rockets the 4 point win.

Blake Griffin had another excellent performance, scoring 35, grabbing 11 rebounds and getting 5 assists, if he keeps up this form, he could very well challenge for MVP. Deandre Jordan got 11 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks. J.J. Redick scored 19 points. Rivers and J Smoove scored 10 each, Stephenson scored 7, Pierce had 6, Johnson had 5 and Crawford continued his poor shooting form from last game and scored only 2 points.

For the rockets, the lack of Chris Paul's defence was clearly felt by the Rockets' guards with James Harden scored 46 and Marcus Thornton scored 16. Dwight Howard had a rare 20 point, 20 rebound game.

Regular Season Game 5: Clippers 108-112 Warriors

The Clippers' fifth game of the season was against the defending champs Golden State Warriors in Oakland. Tensions were high going into the game considering the hostile atmosphere between the two teams and the game didn't disappoint as we were treated to the second most exciting game of the season so far (behind the OKC-Orlando 2OT game).

It was a fairly even game to start with (the game finished by 17 lead changes) before the Warriors eventually led up to a 17 point lead. The Clippers did not give up like the 4 previous opponent of the Warriors and went on an 11-0 run in the third to take the lead. The Clippers then built up a 10 point lead in the fourth. Then a huge scoring outburst from Harrison Barnes followed by a go-ahead three from reigning MVP Stephen Curry put the Warriors ahead with a minute to go. A series of missed shots from the Clippers and made free throws from the Warriors gave the Warriors the 4 point win.

Blake Griffin had another great game, scoring 23 points, getting 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Chris Paul played much more aggressively than he normally does and scored 24 with 9 assists, I think he should play like that more often. Deandre Jordan scored 11 with 13 rebounds and 2 blocks to make him the all time lead rebounder for the Clippers. While the starters actually outplayed the Warriors, the bench had a poor performance. Jamal Crawford scored scored 8 points on a painful 4-15 shooting.

For the Warriors, Chris Paul couldn't stop Steph Curry scoring 31, shooting 7 of 11 from 3 point range.

Up next for the Clippers, the Rockets at home in the Staples Center.

Regular Season Game 4: Clippers 102-96 Suns

In the fourth game of the season, the Clippers faced off against the Suns in the Staples Center, like the two earlier games against the Kings, the game was close all the way into the fourth quarter when the Clippers led 92-91 with 2:47 remaining, that was however when the Clippers put the game away and sealed the 6 point win.

It was an uninspiring performance from the starters, with only Griffin and Paul playing as you would expect. Griffin had 22 points and 10 rebounds & Paul had 17 points with 5 assists. Jordan scored 7 and grabbed 9 rebounds ending his 34 game streak of double digit rebounds. Stephenson had a 5-6-2 game and Redick scored 10 on 25% shooting. The bench were quite strong however, all the bench except for Mbah a Moute (he only played 25 seconds) scored at least 7 points with only one poor shooting performance (Crawford went 2 for 9).

For the Suns, Brandon Knight had an 18-8-7 game, former Clipper Eric Bledsoe had a 16-7-4 game and Tyson Chandler had 14 points with 17 rebounds (6 offensive, come on Deandre).

Up next is the 4-0 Warriors on the 4th of November in Oakland and will pose the first real test of this Clippers' squad this season.

Regular Season Game 3: Clippers 114-109 Kings

The third game for the Clippers and the second game against the Kings, this time at home in the Staples Center. Much like the first time these teams met, a brilliant performance from Blake Griffin led the Clippers to a fairly slim victory over Sacramento.

The Clippers finished the first half on a 32-16 run which only put them up by 4 at the half mainly due to the 11 offensive rebounds the Clippers allowed, giving the Kings 16 more shot attempts. After the half, the Demarcus Cousins did not return for the Kings due to a sore achilles. However, the Kings still ended up taking the lead in the fourth (like the last time the Clipps and Kings played) before Blake Griffin lead the team to a 5-point victory (like the last time the teams played).

Blake had a very good 37 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. Jordan had 15 points, a massive 18 rebounds and 7 blocks. Chris Paul had 17 points and dropped 11 dimes. J.J. Redick scored 23 on 8-9 shooting. While the starters where amazing, the bench was very poor; Paul Pierce, Wes Johnson, Josh Smith and Austin Rivers combined scored 5 points, got 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 6 turnovers. Jamal Crawford did manage to score 10 points however.

For the Kings, the big story is obviously Cousins only playing half a game due to a minor injury. Rudy Gay, former Clipper Darren Collison and new signing Rajon Rondo all had strong performances for the Kings.

Up next is the Phoenix Suns on the 2nd of November in the Staples Center.

Regular Season Game 2: Clippers 104-88 Mavericks

The Clippers' second game was in L.A. against the Mavericks. There was palpable tension leading up to the game, both as a home game opener and the first Mavs game after Deandre Jordan's eventful offseason. However, the game did not live up to the atmosphere, the Mavericks took a 3 point lead very early on before 4 points from Blake and DJ put the Clips in front and they never looked back, leading to a 16 point win. In fact the only sign of tension among the players was a brief scuffle after a Dirk Nowitzki foul on Deandre Jordan resulting in technical fouls for Griffin, Jordan and Raymond Felton.

Blake once again led the way offensively, scoring 26 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Deandre scored 6, got 15 rebounds and 4 blocks. The rest of the starters (Paul, Redick and Stephenson) scored 18 on 8-22 shooting. Paul also had an unusually low (for him) 5 assists. The improved bench continued to show its strength with Rivers and Crawford combining for 29 points. Wesley Johnson also had a 6 point and 7 rebound game.

The Mavericks were fielding a weakened side with starting guards Deron Williams and Wesley Matthews out injured.

Up next is the second game of the season series against the Kings, this time in the Staples Center.

Regular Season Game 1: Clippers 111-104 Kings

The Clippers' first game of the regular season was against the Kings in Sacramento. The obvious match-up to watch was Deandre Jordan vs. Demarcus Cousins in the paint (although DMC went 4-5 from three). Lance Stephenson started at the small forward position this game confirming Doc Rivers' decision to start Stephenson and have Pierce score off the bench in the fourth quarter. The Clippers led going into the fourth but the lead was quickly slashed to one by successive 3-pointers from Marco Belinelli, Omri Casspi and former Clipper Darren Collison. The lead was then lost after a score by Gay. However, the Clippers were not going to let this game get away from them, a scoring burst from Pierce ultimately lead to the 7 point win in Sacramento.

Blake had an excellent performance with 33 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Chris Paul had 18 points, 10 dimes and 2 steals. Jordan finished with 12 boards and sent 4 shots back. Redick had 15 and Stephenson had 7. Off the bench, Jamal had 11, Pierce had 12 points and 7 rebounds and J Smoove had 6 rebounds and 4 blocks. 

For the Kings, Deandre Jordan couldn't stop Cousins getting 33 points and 13 rebounds (although he had 8 turnovers), Gay had 16-3-6 and former Clipper Darren Collison had 13 points and 6 assists.

Up next is a home game against the Mavs on the 29th.