San Antonio Spurs look to carry on their dream start as they visit Los Angeles Clippers: NBA Preview
The San Antonio Spurs’ domination of Los Angeles Clippers is nothing new. They are currently 24-4 in their last 28 road games against the Clips and will like to even better their best start in the franchise history as they meet
Clippers first time this season.
Spurs swept the Clips in the Western Conference semifinals last season and this background is sure to add some spice to the game. The Clippers have lost 32 of their last 36 regular season and playoff games against the Spurs dating
back to Dec. 1, 2003 and to make the matters more intimidating, the silver and black are off to a dream start this season with a perfect four.
"It's just a stat, not that important in the long-term," their star swingman Manu Ginobili said. "(But) at this point we are enjoying it. It's curious that a team this successful hasn't started that well before."
Spurs visit the Staples Center tonight to further cement their position at top of the table. They were dominant in the last game in which they destroyed the Indiana Pacers. The Spurs not only showed their defensive pedigree in
that game, but also gave the Pacers a taste of their bench strength - 57 points were distributed among the San Antonio reserves.
“That's kind of been our motto," said guard Gary Neal, who had 17 points off the bench. "With Manu (Ginobili) coming off and Stephen Jackson, those guys could be starting on any team in the NBA. We are a deep team. We've just got
to maintain effort when the bench comes in."
Clippers come into this game at the back of a close loss to Cleveland Cavaliers. They will need to keep a close look on their turnovers as that was the prime reason they lost on Monday night. They just allowed the possession to
be lost very cheaply at times which resulted in 25 slip aways, an ordinary performance given their aims for the season. So far in the season, they are averaging around 18.8 turnovers which is one of the highest in the league.
“You make 25 turnovers and you're going to lose just about every time," guard Chris Paul said.
At 2-2 they will be looking for a victory to gain some confidence.
Players to watch out for:
Tim Duncan: The veteran averages 19.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.5 blocks so far this season and will be a major threat against the Clips in the front court. At 36, he still continues to be a driving force for
his team and the Clippers need to be aware of his threat.
Tony Parker: He is averaging 16.8 point per game combined with 8.5 assists this season. Parker missed the last regular season meeting between the two sides and will be looking forward to repeat his postseason performances
against them.
Chris Paul: He is one of the best in the business. Averaging 18.5 points combined with 11.5 assists per game, he is the heart and soul of this Clippers side and will be looking to exact some vengeance against the
Spurs.
Blake Griffin: He is averaging 16.3 points per game and maintaining a healthy rebound average of 8. Griffin will come into this game after a season high 20 point performance against the Cavaliers.
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