One night after a testy matchup with the Warriors in which Blake Griffin was ejected, the Los Angeles Clippers (20-10) will try to slow down one of the NBA's top offenses, that of the Portland Trailblazers (23-5). Watch the game on TNT or live stream it by clicking this link. Clippers fans can listen to the game on KFWB 980 AM, while Blazers fans can hear it all on 1190 KEX Portland.
Chris Paul had to do battle with Stephen Curry last night, and tonight he must try and contain Damian Lillard. Last season's rookie of the year enters play averaging 21.5 points per game, second to LaMarcus Aldridge, to go with a team-high 5.8 assists.
When asked about Portland's remarkable run to begin the season, Lillard said, "I didn't know that this would happen going into Christmas but it feels good."
Head coach Terry Stotts is less surprised than his star guard, however. "We're playing the style of basketball that I envisioned as far as moving, being unselfish, versatility, shooting 3s," Stotts said. "That's what we envisioned."
Clippers coach Doc Rivers has done his homework on Portland, and lauded their move to acquire Robin Lopez in the offseason. "The trade they made to get (Robin) Lopez really set them to another level because it allowed Aldridge to go to his natural position, be a four full-time and have a big guy, a dirty guy next to him," Rivers said. Doc is hoping Griffin will be able to take it to both bigs, though, after leaving last night's game prematurely.
"If you look at it, I didn't do anything and I got thrown out of the game. It all boils down to they (referees) fell for it," Griffin said. "To me, it's cowardly basketball. I don't know their intentions, but it worked. ... If I knew the answer I'd probably be in a different position. Tonight I got two technicals for nothing."
He will have to leave that game in the past and focus on the Blazers now if L.A. is to avoid a losing streak.
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