February 18, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 10th vs. San Antonio Spurs
2013-14 Season Series: LAC 1 – 2 SAS
As the old adage goes, to be the best you’ve got to beat the best. An early season matchup against the Spurs likely won’t matter in the grand scheme of things, but it’s the perfect litmus test to see where the Clippers are as a team.
Sir Charles In Charge
Falling to the Thunder in the semi-finals, the Clippers fell short of an opportunity to avenge their 2011 playoff loss which ended in a 4-0 sweep in favor of the Spurs. While perimeter defense was an issue for the Clippers team last season, it’s fair to think this group could’ve pushed the Spurs to six or seven games, especially after seeing what the Dallas Mavericks were able to do against San Antonio in the first round. What the Mavericks–and Heat in 2013–showed the world was that you need a diverse offensive attack to take down this team with a spark of athleticism. With Jordan, Griffin, Paul, and others in the fold, the Clippers have just that which pushes one to wonder what could’ve transpired had the two teams met in the Western Conference finals.
That’s just a hypothetical. Now the Spurs are the defending champions and the Clippers strive to be just that. The ultimate measuring stick.