Griffin impresses again in Clippers win over Kings
Even though it’s only been two pre-season games, Blake Griffin, the power forward out of Oklahoma, is beginning to show why he was selected first overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in
the 2009 NBA Draft.
Griffin, who missed the entire season last year because of a stress fracture on his left kneecap, recorded 18 points and 13 rebounds in only 23 minutes of play as the Clippers beat the
Sacramento Kings 120-88 last night in Sacramento. It was a solid improvement upon his nine-point, seven-rebound NBA debut in a loss against the Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday night.
"It had been a year since I played in an actual game setting," he said. "First game, you know, you kind of have to get used to it. I played a lot better tonight."
Chris Kaman, starting centre for the Clippers, added in 20 points and eight rebounds in just 22 minutes of play. It was this frontcourt duo of Griffin and Kaman that helped the Clippers
build a 25-point lead after two quarters which they would never relinquish. Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro lauded the play of his two bigs.
"Blake can handle the ball and he can make basketball plays and Chris can really shoot it," he said. "I thought we got early deep post position that really got us going."
Both Kaman and Griffin did most of their damage in the first half, only playing the first few minutes of the third quarter before calling it a night. Griffin had 11 points and nine rebounds
after one quarter while Kaman had 16 and eight at half-time.
"I don’t know how you could help but be super impressed with Blake Griffin," said Sacramento coach Paul Westphal. "I think he’s a multi-year All-Star right there. The Clippers are going
to be a lot better this year because of his presence."
DeMarcus Cousins, the fifth pick in last year’s NBA Draft, finished with 15 points and nine rebounds for the Kings, after making a spectacular NBA debut with 16 points and 16 rebounds
in a win over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.
"It was a learning experience for DeMarcus," said Westphal. "He had a very effective first game and it’s all about bouncing back and learning. I thought he had some good moments tonight."
The Kings also got 14 points from Carl Landry and 11 from both Tyreke Evans, last year’s Rookie of the Year, and Luther Head.
Al-Farouq Aminu chipped in 17 points for the Clippers while Eric Gordon, a member of the U.S. gold-medal team this summer at the FIBA World Championship, added 12.
Baron Davis, starting point guard for the Clippers, sat out his second-straight game with a sore knee and strained calf.
Kings starter Beno Udrih strained his right shoulder in practice this week and also sat out the game.
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