The Christmas schedule shuts down at 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN when the Los Angeles Clippers (20-9), tip off against the Golden State Warriors (16-13) at Oracle Arena in a matchup that can be live streamed free here by clicking this link. Clips fans can hear the action on KFWB 980 AM, while Warriors fans can listen in on KNBR 680.
The Clippers are riding high recently, carrying a five game winning streak into Oracle where the Warriors hold one of the NBA's elite home crowds. They seem to have gained a mental edge over most of their opponents since the arrival of new coach Doc Rivers.
"The biggest thing we learned as a team from Doc is, even in practice, he talks about 'The game is not over,'" point guard Chris Paul said. "When we got down three or four there with seconds left, we could've said we lost this one. But we fought hard." Paul's numbers have skyrocketed under Rivers; through 29 contests Paul is averaging 19.2 points and 11.3 assists a night, his best numbers since the 2008-2009 season as a member of the New Orleans Hornets.
The sweet-shooting Warriors are learning new tricks as well, however, having eked out a win against the Denver Nuggets on Monday despite notching just 89 points. "It tells you how good we can be because there is no question about our guys' ability to score and shoot the basketball," Golden State coach Mark Jackson said.
"The thing that can remain constant for us is our ability to defend and defend at a high level. That is what is going to win ball games for us. When our guys do establish a rhythm, it is going to be awfully pretty."
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