Darian Vaziri here, the host of the daily Locked On Clippers podcast, with your daily Locked On Clippers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Clippers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
The Return Of Red For The LA Clippers’ 2nd In-Season Tournament Game
Nov 20, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) drives past Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images|Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Clippers’ Defense and the Return of Red: A New Era Begins
As a lifelong Los Angeles Clippers fan, I can’t help but feel the excitement in the air as we gear up for a pivotal matchup against the Sacramento Kings. With the Clippers standing at 9-7, this game is more than just another fixture; it’s a chance to solidify our position in the in-season tournament and showcase our defensive prowess.
Clippers vs. Kings: A Defensive Showdown
Our first in-season tournament game against the Houston Rockets didn’t go as planned, but it’s time to focus on the Kings. Sacramento, with a record of 8-7, is just a half-game behind us. Despite their star-studded lineup featuring De’Aaron Fox, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis, we have already proven we can beat them. Our previous victory, a 107-98 win, was a testament to our defensive strength and teamwork.
Norman Powell’s absence due to a hamstring strain is a setback, but our recent win against the Orlando Magic without him shows our resilience. Contributions from Amir Coffey, James Harden, and Ivica Zubac were crucial, and we’ll need them to step up again. Harden’s performance, especially his ability to draw fouls and score efficiently, will be key. Our defense, ranked sixth in the league, is our backbone. With players like Derrick Jones Jr. and Zubac anchoring the defense, we have no weak links.
The Return of Red Jerseys
The return of the red jerseys is a momentous occasion for Clippers fans. These jerseys are a symbol of our identity, a nod to the rich history of the franchise. The decision to bring back the red was long overdue, and it feels like a homecoming. The vibrant sea of red in the crowd is a sight to behold, reminiscent of the Lob City era.
While I have some reservations about the design, particularly the color of the font, the overall look is stunning. The red jerseys are more than just apparel; they represent the spirit and passion of Clippers Nation. I can’t wait to see our players donning them on the court.
As we prepare for the game against the Kings, our focus remains on defense. We have the tools to keep Sacramento under 100 points, as we did in our last encounter. The matchup between Zubac and Sabonis will be one to watch, and Harden’s offensive rhythm will be crucial. With contributions from across the roster, I’m optimistic about our chances.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Clippers’ strategies and upcoming games, tune into the Locked On Clippers podcast for this and much more.
**Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Clippers Podcast:**
- The significance of the in-season tournament and its impact on the NBA.
- Analysis of James Harden’s recent performances and his role in the team.
- A look at the Clippers’ upcoming schedule and key matchups.
- Discussion on the Clippers’ defensive strategies and player contributions.
- Insights into the Clippers’ team dynamics and locker room atmosphere.
League at Large
Can the Houston Rockets keep this up?
They’ve had close wins, technical wins, nail-biters and blow-outs; they’ve (reportedly) turned down superstars and and currently sit third in the west with a record of 11-5 — In a Western Conference finally coming alive, can the Houston Rockets keep this up?
The Rockets are on pace to tie or surpass the franchise’s win record of 64, set by a team led by James Harden in 2017-2018. It was Harden’s — and all the failed years of being in the running for title contention — ghost that still hung over the franchise as recently as last season, no matter that Harden himself has been part of three different rosters since he sulked his way out of Houston. Everything from the Rockets brand of basketball to the team’s waylaid trajectory back into competition had been set and then upended by him.
It was something of an exorcism then, that Houston handily beat Harden’s current team, the Clippers, in back-to-back games this week.
What feels especially lasting about the winning pace the Rockets have set is that there’s plenty room for the team to improve. Houston’s sitting at 25th overall in field goal percentage, 27th in three-point percentage, and is still claiming the ninth overall offensive ranking in the league. Their starters have all been shooting well below their career bests, and yet, nothing about the Rockets’ wins have looked harried.
For a team that has an average of just four years NBA experience between them, there’s a wealth of patience. When the Rockets have been pressed this season, or teams like the Pacers and Bulls have tried to rush them with pace, they fall back on snapping passes and sinking into ball movement. There are still sequences of ISO ball and flubbed defensive rotations, but Houston has leaned into their transitions as opportunities to reset. No doubt in part to having the always unflappable Fred VanVleet driving this thing, plus the veteran offensive ballasts of Jeff Green and Dillon Brooks.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Shopping
This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Sports Mastery
Presented By Dribbleup
Kids can dribble their way to the top of the leaderboard with game-like experience. |Image via Dribbleup
Parents are always looking for gifts their kids will actually use. Dribbleup makes it easy to give a gift that makes practicing fun!
With the Smart Basketball, your child can train anytime, anywhere—guided by dynamic coaching sessions in the Dribbleup app. Dribbleup’s AR technology tracks the ball’s every move, giving real-time feedback.
Watch your child improve with every dribble, all while enjoying a high-tech gift that’s 60% off for the holidays.
Offer ends on 12/23/24. Valid on the purchase of certain products only. Online prices are as marked, reflecting the discount. Membership separate and auto-renews monthly.
Franz Wagner A First Round Fantasy Basketball Player?
Nov 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) celebrates with guard Jalen Suggs (4) after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers with a 3-point basket with 2.5 seconds left in the game at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images|Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic edged out the LA Lakers with a 119-118 victory. The game was a showcase of talent and strategy, with the Magic overcoming a deficit to secure the win. Franz Wagner was the standout performer, continuing his impressive form with a stellar 37 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists. His all-around game, including four steals and four threes, solidified his status as a top fantasy asset. Wagner’s recent performances have elevated him to first-round value in fantasy leagues, making him a potential sell-high candidate, though his current form might make holding onto him equally appealing.
Dalton Knecht’s Role and Performance
Dalton Knecht played a significant role for the Lakers, logging the most minutes on the team. While his 17 points, four rebounds, and one assist were solid, they highlighted the limitations in his fantasy profile. Knecht’s reliance on scoring and shooting efficiency means that while he’s a valuable asset, his contributions in other categories remain limited. Fantasy managers should monitor his role closely, especially as the Lakers adjust their rotations.
Anthony Black’s Consistency Concerns
Anthony Black’s performance was less consistent, with 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists on 25% shooting. While his recent games have shown flashes of potential, this outing underscores the volatility in his production. Fantasy managers who picked up Black for his upside should consider holding him through the Magic’s favourable schedule but remain cautious about his long-term consistency.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Clippers podcasts.
How The LA Clippers Got The Job Done Without Norman Powell
The LA Clippers got a big time win against the Orlando Magic without Norman Powell, how did they get it? In this episode, die hard LA Clippers fan and Host Darian Vaziri breaks it down.
How The LA Clippers Won Their 2nd Game Against The Warriors This Season
Can the Los Angeles Clippers’ defense-first identity carry them through the season? With a slow pace ranking 24th, the Clippers rely on turnovers to ignite their offense. James Harden shines with 12 points and 16 assists, showcasing improved defense with two steals and two blocks. Norman Powell delivers clutch shooting, scoring 23 points and hitting five of six from beyond the arc. Ivica Zubac dominates the paint with eight points, 17 rebounds, and a team-high +21 plus/minus. The bench, featuring Chris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr., adds solid defensive play, while Amir Coffey and Terance Mann inject energy.
How The LA Clippers Will Survive Without Norman Powell
Will the Clippers maintain their defensive edge and overcome offensive challenges without Norman Powell? Tune in with die hard LA Clippers fan and Host Darian Vaziri for an in-depth analysis and insider perspectives.
