Clipperholics
Fansided

LA Clippers: Ten takeaways from the first ten games of the season

By Randi Geffner

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 11: The LA Clippers stand for the National Anthem prior to the game against the Toronto Raptors on November 11, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 11: The LA Clippers stand for the National Anthem prior to the game against the Toronto Raptors on November 11, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 26: A close-up view of the back of Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers jersey during a game against the Phoenix Suns on October 26, 2019 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 26: A close-up view of the back of Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers jersey during a game against the Phoenix Suns on October 26, 2019 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) /

9. Kawhi

Four weeks ago, before the regular season started, Kawhi Leonard was just an ethereal image to Clippers fans. We didn’t know what to expect and hoped that he would provide a fraction of what our dreams held. It’s a small sample size, but ten games in, what we know as fact is that Kawhi is the real deal. We knew this from watching him dominate the post-season in Toronto, but seeing nightly, up close, is a humbling experience.

10. Greatness Comes from the Top

The culture that has been developed in this Clippers team was the result of patience and hard work up and down the organization. At the top of that organization is the best owner in sports, Steve Ballmer. Ballmer’s influence on the Clippers culture was palpable in his involvement in surprising Paul George in Fresno State at his jersey retirement ceremony. Not only did Ballmer loan an airplane to Doc Rivers, Lawrence Frank, and many players so that they could surprise PG13 at this milestone event, but Ballmer joined the team in making the day even more special for George.

It’s hard to imagine many owners wanting to spend a  sunny Saturday in central California, but it’s not a stretch to see Ballmer there, his trademark enthusiasm beaming out for George, who has yet to even play a game for the Clippers. This relatively small gesture telegraphed volumes. That sense of family, the support, the genuine affection, has been apparent in the first ten games of the season.

Next. How the Clippes will change with the return of Paul George. dark

Granted, it’s a small sample size. Maybe it’s not even statistically significant. But the trends that the Clippers are seeing early in the season give the team, and loyal Clippers fans, much to look forward to in the months ahead.

Home/Clippers News