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Comedy and the LA Clippers pt.1: Payman Benz

By Brian Cullen

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 28: The Los Angeles Clippers logo before a game against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2015 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2015 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 28: The Los Angeles Clippers logo before a game against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2015 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2015 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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We asked director Payman Benz some questions about the LA Clippers and why the comedy world loves them.

It seems like every time a profile comes out on Blake Griffin, it talks about his affinity for comedy. Whether it be his car commercials, hosting shows at Just For Laughs in Montreal, or doing stand-up at his own charity event. We all know Blake loves comedy. There’s another side to that relationship, and I wanted to explore it.

Blake loves comedy, but seemingly, comedy also loves Blake and the Clippers. I’ve noticed over the years, at games that there are tons of comics, writers, and comedic actors there in support of the Clippers. Hell, even Billy Crystal is season ticket holder.

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I was fortunate enough to get in contact with the very creative and funny Payman Benz to get some insight.  I wanted to know why the comedy world has really embraced the Clippers.

Payman is one of the funniest writer/director/producers in the industry. He’s directed shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place, Key and Peele, and The Last Man on Earth. Here’s what he had to say…

Quick note; this interview was done in November.

How long have you been a Clippers fan?

"Since 2007, a little over a year after I moved to Los Angeles from the Bay Area. Growing up, all my friends and I just rooted for players because it was the MJ era. We all hated the Warriors for some reason, so hating them as a Clipper fan has been VERY easy.Back to how I became a fan… I would go to Clipper games because tickets were cheap and I loved the game of basketball so I didn’t care how bad they were. In 2007, a friend had passes to a suite and invited me to go to a game. It was towards the end of the New England Patriots’ undefeated season. We walked into the suite and everyone was sitting and watching the Patriots game, totally ignoring the professional sporting event they came to. It was a surreal image that embodied how people treated the Clippers for so long.I love underdogs so I made a decision right then and there to become a Clipper fan. I sat down and watched them trail for most of the game, rally to make it close and ultimately fail…something I’ve become used to in the decade since."

Why, in a city with a storied franchise like the Lakers, do you think there is still a fan base for a team like the Clippers?

"Some people love underdogs and don’t like the popular kids. The Lakers don’t have the most humble fan base and that turns a lot of people off. Annoying fans can make you dislike a team entirely.Also, it’s lame to start rooting for a historic franchise. Root for the little guy! When he finally wins, it will feel so good."

Do you have a favorite Clippers moment?

"I was at the game where Blake hit a buzzer beating 3-pointer in OT against the Suns. It was extra special because it was over PJ Tucker. The two of them had a history and had been jawing at each other all game. I’m used to the Clippers losing games like that, so I lost my mind when that ball went in."

What is it about the Clippers that you think attracts so many people from the comedy scene?

"Again I think it comes down to being underdogs. Most comedians were underdogs growing up. We were weirdos who hung out with weirdos because weirdos are funnier and more interesting than the popular kids. The Lakers are Hollywood and the Clippers are the Comedy Scene."

Do you see any connections between being a fan of comedy and being a Clippers fan?

"At this point, when one of our players gets hurt in the post season, we can’t help but laugh. We’ve also had a lot of funny players. Blake is as funny of an actor as most comedians, DJ is funny, our playoff history is funny, etc."

The team got really raw and young in the Chris Paul trade, but is currently struggling. What do you think our future looks like as a franchise?

"I’m one of the rare Clipper fans who wanted Chris Paul out. He’s an incredible player but with our roster and with the NBA’s modern fast-pace play, I think he stunted the growth of some of our players. He’s better off chasing that ring he deserves elsewhere.I think if healthy, we have a fun roster. We’re not contenders but we can stress some contenders out. We definitely need to make some moves and we definitely need to lose some people (cough cough Doc Rivers) but I have full faith in Steve Ballmer & Jerry West.Another scorer to relieve the pressure off of Blake would be incredible. And also, health. They’re not far but they’re not close. But isn’t that always the case with us?"

I can’t thank Payman enough for taking the time to answer our questions. Go check out the winter finale of The Last Man on Earth. The episode is directed by Payman and stars Will Forte and Fred Armisen. If you want to keep up with him you can follow him on Twitter (@PaymanBenz) and check his website and IMDB page for updates.

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