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There’s Nothing Like An LAC Broadcast
| :: Around The Cooler Archives :: |
Posted: 11:16 pm PST | March 11th, 2006
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On the court, the fellas pulled to .500 on the road thanks to a monster effort from Elton Brand. EB was stellar in every statistical category--including nailing his first NBA 3PT FG---but displayed MVP-caliber credentials with his 4th quarter work on the defensive end.
One such play had my Tivo working overtime, as Michael Redd raced up the court with 2:41 left in the game and the Clippers clinging to a shaky six-point advantage. The dynamic Redd seemed to have everyone beat, but Elton displayed textbook footwork to protect the basket and deliver an emphatic block. Beach volleyball king Karch Kiraly could have taken notes from the Clippers captain, as Brand spiked the ball hard off the floor a good 10-12 feet. Shaun Livingston eventually gobbled it up, as both Clippers and Bucks momentarily gazed in shock at the rejection.
To paraphrase the late great Chris Farley: I've seen some blocked shots in my time, but that....was....AWESOME!
All in all, it was a great win for LA as they showed poise to withstand a furious Milwaukee rally on the road. The victory brings the Clippers one win away from matching last season's total, and four wins away from tying the franchise record for W's on the road.
But going back to my opening line, the LAC on-court excellence this season has been matched by equally dazzling work behind the mic. Play-by-play man Matt Pinto has painted the LAC picture brilliantly for radio listeners, and has also been a fixture on Clippers.com with his insightful pre-game "Pinto's Preview" column. Color commentator Mike Smith continues to get fans inside the action by chatting up players and coaches before each contest. His legwork before each tipoff helps bring the ClipperNation closer to the game's plotlines.
Then there's Ralph Lawler---the legend. As the oft-used wine analogy goes, Ralph simply gets better each year. His intelligence, insight and smooth-as-silk voice have captivated Clippers fans for nearly three decades. It's impossible to imagine a game without calls of "Bingo!", "Oh me, oh my!" and "Fasten your seatbelts, gang." Most importantly, he also brings a great sense of humor that even managed to silence the always-loquacious Walton during their time together. For example, I may be mistaken, but I believe that Saturday night's LAC/Bucks game was the only NBA contest that witnessed an announcer refer to his broadcast partner as a "metrosexual" during a break in action.
I'm sure the entire ClipperNation joins me when I offer up a huge thanks to Matt, Mike and Ralph. Without their hard work, fans would have to turn to online nonsense like Around The Cooler to get their Clippers info.
OK...wait....that was really a bad example.
Moving along to the deep thoughts of my peeps in Clippers fanship (assuming, of course, that "fanship" is actually a word), Ido of Woodland Hills, CA is first to offer up birthday wishes to "The Beast."
Since it's EB's B-Day on March 11th, I just want to wish EB a Happy Happy Birthday, Mazel Tov EB. He provided us Clippers fans many memorable moments this year. May the chants of MVP MVP continue for many years to come.
Well said, Ido, well said. Gotta love the fact that Elton celebrated his 27th with all of us tonight!
Robby of Torrance, CA is next up and goes old school:
You know I got myself thinking: this would be a good time for us fans to lobby the Clippers organization to retire the jerseys of the greatest Clippers/Braves players. We really need some legacy for the future our favorite team. What do you all think? Who should be the first up for ballot to get his jersey retired? Let me start the ball rolling by voting for Randy Smith's #9.
GREAT call on Randy Smith, Robby, and I'm sure Bob McAdoo also deserves to be thrown into the mix. However, my vote would be cast for Mark Jackson's #13--due in large part to his Cassell-like leadership and post-play "shimmies" back in the Sports Arena.
Brian of Costa Mesa, CA has the postseason picture on his mind and asks:
First off, I’ve been watching the Clippers for twelve years now, and I’m so happy that were going to the playoffs this year. GO CLIPPERS!!!!!!!! Anyways, TNT commentator Charles Barkley has been saying that our beloved Clippers have a good chance at taking the Western Conference this year, but he say’s that it would be under the condition that Tim Duncan is unhealthy. Assuming that our guys stay healthy, do you think we have a chance, even if Duncan is healthy? And if possible, find out from Coach Dunleavy what he thinks. (P.S. Hi mom and dad!!!!)
Brian, I gotta say this is the first parental shout-out in the history of Around The Cooler, which is why I had to post your question. I'm sure I'll get a handful of "John 3:16" emails coming down the pipe now....
Despite the fact that I'm in LA and Coach Dunleavy is in Milwaukee right now, but I can tell you that he doesn't count this team out against any opponent. He's got the team believing in defense and in themselves this season. When they are clicking, Coach has said numerous times this year that he likes their chances in any game.
In my opinion, this team needs a bit more work on consistency. 2005-06 has been about runs for the Clippers, as LA has traded winning and losing streaks all season long. If they can work on regaining their focus quickly after setbacks, they will be very dangerous in the postseason.
As far as the Spurs are concerned, with or without Duncan, they are a formidable opponent for any team. I believe 100% in my Clippers, but even with last Tuesday's LAC victory, I don't believe a playoff series against Gregg Popovich's team would be anything less than a dogfight.
Finally, Jenn of Seattle, WA has a request for the Clippers faithful after a recent Around The Cooler post gushed about the acquisition of Vladimir Radmanovic:
"The CLIPPERS signing VLADIMIR RADMANOVIC was like a dream come true for me and I consider it to be my personal VALENTINE's present from the team!"
*Sigh*
That was the worst Valentine's Day ever. I think I'm the only person in Seattle who actually misses Vladi. Take good care of my boy.
While I'm sorry that you can no longer cheer the Rad Man on in Sonic green and gold, Jenn, I hope you can take solace in knowing that the ClipperNation has welcomed your beloved #7 with open arms.
Go Clippers!
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