Halftime Hype

It was a typical afternoon for all but the final quarter of Sunday's Clippers game. Trailing by double digits, to the Memphis Grizzlies no less, there wasn't much hope at Staples Center. When the home crowd starts chanting for an away player on the bench who's only averaged three and a half minutes of play and has only hit the hardwood in 7 of 17 games (Hamed Haddadi), you know the game probably isn't pleasing the fans. But then, during the fourth quarter, out of nowhere, the notoriously mediocre Los Angeles Clippers went on a 21-0 surge. Memphis could barely get a shot up without the ball being stolen. And in the very few oppurtunities that the Grizzlies could attempt a field goal, it was often swatted away or rebounded by Clips. Although this was against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Clippers put on quite a show. I'm not saying that celebrities are going to start attending their games, but the Clips may no longer be L.A.'s "other" team.

Honestly, I'm starting to grow a little tired from writing about the "potentially dangerous team" (see: The Sun Rises Again and Outlook Appears Bullish). However, when there's a team that seems to be materializing and looks to be slightly promising, it needs to be recognized. Finally, after years of subpar performance, things are looking a little brighter for the Los Angeles Clippers. If I heard Sunday night's broadcast properly, the C's enjoyed their first winning month since 2006.

There are several factors going forward that will be catalysts in how many victories the Clippers can pile up. One of the more obvious difference-makers will ultimately be the competition in the Pacific Division. In constant battle with the Phoenix Suns, who is currently a remarkable 14-3, and home-town rival & defending champions, the Lakers, the Clippers will endure a handful of losses. It would be too optimistic to forsee the Lakers or to a lesser degree, the Suns, losing one to the Clippers just because of how fluid their game is. To compensate, Sacramento and Golden State are still fair game. The Kings have been doing well in the absence of starter Kevin Martin, though, the Clippers have the ability to match-up with them. As for the Warriors, outside of Monta Ellis, who's been scoring in droves as of late, they are not a legitimately difficult team to face, or better yet, defeat.

Another factor will be injuries and conditioning. The Clippers have constantly battled injuries and, in fact, are still waiting for Blake Griffin to return. In the past, Kaman and Camby, one of the most talented frontcourt duos in the NBA, have had to tend to wounds. Forward Craig Smith also missed action while spending time with the trainer. For goodness sake, Eric Gordon just received a sore hamstring. Despite a threatening presence, Baron Davis is no longer the player he was in Oakland, but undoubtedly needs to work on his quickness.

Then there's the issue of holding on to leads. The Clips have been too nonchalant once they go up by double digits. It seems like the thought of holding a lead, much less winning a game, comes as too much of a revelation, possibly the cause of their complacency. There have already been multiple game where the Clippers have not been able to convert down the stretch and forfeited several potential wins.

Lastly, the red, white, and blue - a.k.a. the Clippers - need consistency. After starting off the season poorly, Al Thornton is once again showing his scoring prowess. He needs to keep it up. Rasual Butler must continue practicing his long-range shot, as that's exactly what he was acquired for: to his threes. Similarly, Baron can't slack off. One bad scoring night is acceptable, but as a leader, he needs to act like one and step his game up.

Going forward, especially once Griffin comes pack, the Clippers could actually qualify for the playoffs - or still an improvement, come in 9th or 10th. Who knows, it's very likely that this team could prove me wrong by losing their next match in a blowout - or by doing that constantly. Regardless, there is some silver lining to their situation. Obviously certain things, like a semi-talented division and injuries, aren't entirely in the Clippers' control. But finishing late in ball games, conditioning, and consistency are all pieces to possible successs. It's up to the C's to assemble them.