LA Clippers Playoff Matchups: Houston Rockets

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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 21: Patrick Beverley #21 of the Los Angeles Clippers is fouled by James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during the second half of a basketball game at Staples Center on October 21, 2018 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. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Bad Blood between both teams

2015

The Clippers and Rockets have had their fare share of incidents and key playoff moments stemming back to when the teams faced off against each other in the 2015 NBA Playoffs.

If you recall, the Clippers blew a 3-1 series lead to the Houston Rockets that ultimately left the Clippers coming up short in clinching their first ever birth to the Conference Finals.

2016

The Clippers would end up signing the player that crushed the Clippers hearts in Game 6 of that series in Forward/Center Josh Smith.

Things would end up not working out as the Clippers traded him back to Houston later that season.

2017

Clippers Point Guard Chris Paul decides to leave the team and join the Houston Rockets.

However, in order to still maintain his bird rights ensuring him a super-max deal with the Rockets and helping the Clippers out, both teams would do a sign-and-trade deal.

In that trade of course, the Clippers would land Point Guard Patrick Beverley, Shooting Guard Lou Williams, Center Montrezl Harrell, Forward Sam Dekker (now in Washington) and a 2018 HOU 1st-Rd pick (traded to acquire Forward Danilo Gallinari in a sign-and-trade).

2018

Early January of 2018, the Clippers and Rockets would face each other for the first time since Chris Paul decided to leave.

This game of course was where the post-game secret locker room invasion occurred. All night both sides would be bickering back and forth at each other before things escalated.

Here’s a recap that will refresh your memory:

2018/2019

The Rockets would sign former Clipper and son of Clipper Head Coach Doc Rivers, Austin Rivers shortly after he was waived by the Phoenix Suns.

Thoughts

Can you imagine what a 7-Game Series of Patrick Beverley hounding Chris Paul and his former teammate James Harden for 48 minutes.

What about Montrezl Harrell throwing down vicious slams over the team and coach that sat him out for his first two seasons.

Keep in mind if the Clippers were to upset the Rockets, this will feel like sweet revenge stemming from the 2015 Playoffs.

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