The Clipper’s have triumphed in January despite a shakeup in their lineup due to injuries of point guard and closer Eric Gordon. Gordon is reported to have a bone chip and sprain in his right wrist from a fall versus the Golden State Warriors in late January. He is expected to miss three to four weeks. Gordon leads the team averaging 24 points a game, with Griffin right at his heels averaging 23.
But the solid play of rookie forward Blake Griffin and veteran point guard Baron Davis have held down the fort for Los Angeles. It was released that Griffin was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for January. A great honor to receive, but unfortunately the Clippers weren’t able to defend their nine home win streak on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls, losing 88-106.
Chicago’s Derrick Rose, scored 32 points on Wednesday at the Staples Center and dropped 34 points against the Clippers on Dec. 18 at Chicago in a losing effort to the Clippers, 100-99. Definitely a rose in the thorn of the Clippers, Griffin and company weren’t able to shut down the young and exciting Bulls squad. The Bulls’ 34-14 start is their best since 1997-98, a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.
Griffin scored 32 points, with more than forty double doubles for the season, giving him 1,104 total points so far. The reliable and dynamic Eric Gordon falls slightly behind Griffin with 988 points for the season.
The Clippers won’t play another home game until Feb. 26 against Boston but Griffin will take the court to participate in the rookie challenge and Slam Dunk Competition for the NBA All-Star Weekend, February 18-20, 2011.
Los Angeles will pack their bags and play 11 consecutive road games after the All-Star Break, in which they will be battle tested facing Atlanta, Miami and Orlando, all Eastern conference heavy hitters.
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Written by Gyasmine
Gyasmine George, M.S., a former basketball player, coach and advisor for student athletes and founder of Female Field Guide where she educates and advises women on sports and athletics. She has a rich love and knowledge for sports and athletics through her many years of growing up in a sports home. In addition, her hands on experience in a plethora of entities of athletics such as playing on championship travel and high school teams, coaching, teaching and advising, sales, marketing and promotions, game day management, communications and writing, has lead her to continue to fuel her passion for athletics. Contact Gyasmine at gyasmine@femalefieldguide.com
