It has certainly been an incredible week for both Los Angeles ball clubs, with back to back overtime victories and history making. One of them is the larger than life, Clippers rookie Blake Griffin. Griffin recorded his first triple double of his career, tallying  33 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists in the 127-119 victory over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.

Wizards center JaVelle Mcgee definitely flexed his muscles by demonstrating he deserves a consideration for rookie of the year nod who finished with 22 points and 13 boards. But of course who can top a man that jumps over a Kia?

Alongside Griffin was the powerful force of center Chris Kaman who grabbed 12 rebounds and added 28 points to contribute to the Clipper’s victory.

Not to mention Clippers guard Eric Gordon, wrist injury and all, who managed to split defenders, cross over his opponents and lead Los Angeles in scoring with 33 points.

Don’t let the 28-44 record fool you, these Clippers are going to play fearlessly against any opponent!

With less than a month left in the regular season, the Clippers continue to fill the seats in anticipation of another spectacular dunk from Griffin and upset of a playoff contending opponent.

The Clippers next opponent who happen to be the defending champs, their Staples Center room mates, the Lakers.

They face off on Friday at 7:30 pm (PST).

On the eve of the NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Clippers acquired point guard Mo Williams and forward Jamario Moon from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for point guard Baron Davis and a first round pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Baron Davis, a veteran of the Clippers has had a rocky tenure with Los Angeles but has recently made strides after returning from various injuries earlier in the season. Since his return, Davis has averaged 12 points per game, 7 assists and 2 turnovers per match up. Since being signed at the 2008-09 season, Davis has averaged 16.5 points and 7.3 assists over his career.

The new comers of the Clippers will definitely be an asset to the young and exciting team.

Mo Williams, who has averaged 13.8 points, 5.0 assists and 3.1 rebounds over his eight-year NBA career will be a fantastic player that will counter Eric Gordon’s speed and scoring ability. As Gordon heals from his wrist injury, Williams will stand as a great general on the court as he builds a relationship with Blake Griffin, a key component for success for the Clippers. Williams is currently averaging 13.3 points, 7.1 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 36 games played this season and served as a solid cast mate to LeBron James during his time in Cleveland.

Jamario Moon is a versatile player that can morph into any role his team may need. As an undrafted rookie with the Raptors in 2007, Moon turned in a productive rookie year, averaging 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds. During the 2010-11 season, Moon has averaged 4.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 19.1 minutes in 40 games played.

Moon was a key component in defeating the defending Champions on February 16^th with a score of 104-99, by flexing his muscles against Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol. Let’s hope he can repeat that performance in a Clippers jersey, Clippers and Lakers face one another Friday, February 25^th.

The city of Angels is back to the normal glitz and glamor now that the 2011 NBA All Star Weekend has come to a close. The weekend was dampened by the wet and gloomy weather the rain brought on Friday and Saturday. But the jam packed events and festivities that took place in the LA Convention Center, Staples Center and surrounding areas, kept the energy and excitement.

Friday’s Events

Friday’s marquee events began with the Celebrity All Star Basketball Game. Celebrities and former ball players like Justin Beiber, Scottie Pippen, Common, WNBA star Tamika Catchings, Chris Mullin, R&B Singer Trey Songs and Master P’s son Romeo Miller. The young, vibrant and surprisingly athletic pop singer Justin Beiber won the MVP award for the game.

The Rookie challenge game in which the NBA rising’s young rookies and sophomore faced off for a glimpse of tomorrow’s legends. The game certainly didn’t disappoint, with 15 dunks in the first half, the likes of Blake Griffin, Demar DeRozen, DeMarcus Cousins and so many more pleased the crowd. Ultimately the play maker John Wall racked up 22 assists as well as the MVP award to lead the rookies to a victory over the sophomores.

Saturday’s events

Fans and media were privileged to attend the the All Star Practice Saturday morning. I was one of those individuals to do so. Such an intimate opportunity for people to see their favorite players and coaches, East head coach Doc Rivers facilitated shooting contests and interacted with fans as Laker fans booed him. All in fun and games, both teams exchanged friendly banter.

In addition to going through plays in preparation for Sunday’s game, Dallas Mavericks Dirk Norwitski and Oklahoma City sensation Kevin Durant now hold the Guinness Book of World Records for most consecutive three pointers in one minute at 15, edging out Celtics Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.

By night fall, the most anticipated event was the Sprite Slam Dunk  Contest. While Warrior’s Stephan Curry took the crown for the Skills Challenge and James Jones stole the Three Point Contest title from the Celtics’ Pierce and Allen, Clippers rookie Blake Griffin was the man of the hour.

Killing any hopes of Wizards’ Javale McGee to win the slam dunk honor, the athletic prowess of Griffin shocked fans and viewers by jumping over a Kia while receiving a ally-oop from his team-mate Baron Davis who was sitting inside the car. Griffin’s dunk was by far one of the most dangerous and genius dunks the NBA has ever seen. The Slam Dunk contest has been officially revived!

Sunday’s All Star Game

Too many highlights to mention, the All Star game showcased the most elite players with monstrous dunks, assists and amazing highlights! The most talked about dunk was the facial Heat LeBron James received from the game’s MVP Kobe Bryant. To add insult to injury, the West pulled out the victory, making it back to back West wins since the last time Los Angeles hosted the All Star Weekend.

Completing his first All Star Weekend, Blake Griffin left his mark, the only player in NBA history to participate in events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Despite undesirable weather, the NBA All Star weekend went off without a hitch, creating more memories for years to come.

The 2012 NBA All Star weekend will be hosted by the Magic in Orlando, FL.

WATCH BELOW: VIDEO

Gyasmine covers the NBA All Star Practice

Along with a few other ProSport Bloggers, I will also be attending the NBA All Star Practice on Saturday! Extremely excited about this opportunity, I will post pictures, tweets as well as facebook posts to keep all Pro Sports Blogging followers abreast on the happenings of the NBA All Star Practice as well as other opportunities that may come about!!!! Stay tuned!

The NBA All Star Practice will take place Saturday, February 19th at 10 am (PST) at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The Clippers has had their share of ups and downs with fifty-six games under their belt as they enter All Star break. Closing out their two-week-long road trip, the Clippers end on a high note, with a 98-90 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Blake Griffin scored 29 points and three outrageous dunks that even Timberwolves fans couldn’t deny.

After having to readjust when team leading scorer Eric Gordon was sidelined in January with a wrist injury, Los Angeles has experienced growing pains. Winning only seven games and losing ten, the Clippers look forward to the return of their clutch point guard.

Although Gordon cannot be replaced, veteran guard Baron Davis have been drinking from the fountain of youth, draining three pointers and scoring in double digits.

Tonight marked the return of Clippers Center Chris Kaman after missing 35 games with an ankle injury. Kaman grabbed six rebounds and as time passes will be looked upon to make a solid contribution and help the Clippers after the All-Star break.

With the Clippers victory against the Timberwolves, they have won the season series with a record of 3-1.

As Los Angeles takes advantage of the well needed break, they will look to get healthy and make a strong push for a playoff spot. They are currently second to last in the Western conference and have much ground to make up as they dive into the second half of the season.

For the Clippers, their next game is Tuesday @ Oklahoma City, Wednesday @ New Orleans, Feb. 25 @ Lakers. For the Timberwolves, Tuesday @ Milwaukee, Wednesday vs. Memphis, Feb. 25 vs. New Orleans.

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.

Congratulations to quarterback Peyton Manning, wide receiver Reggie Wayne, defensive ends Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney and center Jeff Saturday, for making the 2011 Pro Bowl this year. Out of the thirty-five first time Pro Bowlers, the Colts have a way of preserving their tradition of representing some of the best players in the National Football League.

Peyton Manning is making his 11^TH Pro Bowl appearance, Reggie Wayne and Jeff Saturday are both making their fifth consecutive Pro Bowl appearances, defensive ends Dwight Freeney enters his 6^th and Robert Mathis with his third consecutive trip to Hawaii. Since the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl began in 1970, the only other defensive end tandems from the same team selected to more than one Pro Bowl together were Clyde Simmons and Reggie White of the Philadelphia Eagles (1991 and 1992 seasons).

Mathis, the fifth-round selection in the 2003 NFL Draft from Alabama A&M, is the second all-time sacks leader in Colts history. In 2010 alone he pulled down 11 sacks, the seventh consecutive season he has had at least seven sacks, and the fifth time in the last six seasons he has led the Colts in the category.

Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne have made history who rank first among active quarterback and wide receiver tandems, while ranking 2nd all-time in completions and 6th all-time in touch down connections.

My, what a difference a year makes. Just one year ago, they were preparing for the Super Bowl against the New Orleans Saints and now handpicked to play in the Pro Bowl. Although very grateful, it can be argued that every player on the field wants to be preparing for just one more game, the Super Bowl.

This 40^th Pro Bowl marks a tie breaker game, with the NFC winning twenty games and the AFC racking up twenty wins as well. The teams will play not only for bragging rights, but a nice check as well.

The Oklahoman rookie sensation is the shoe in for Rookie of the Year only 42 days into the NBA season. While performing the most eye-popping, gravity defying dunks, Griffin is becoming one of the most balanced scorers in the league. Griffin earned the Western Conference Defensive Player of the month for December.

Wednesday’s victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves ended Griffin’s 27^th consecutive double-double of the season (points and rebounds). The battle down-low between Timber wolves center Kevin Love and Blake Griffin was highly anticipated and did not disappoint. Love continued his streak of double-doubles to 29, had twenty-six points and 11 rebounds. Love continues to lead the league in rebounds, but he and the Timber wolves couldn’t contain the great Blake and company.

Although Griffin is the face of the Clippers, the team has now become healthy and with each game, they manifest cohesion that many powerhouse squads cannot attain.

The resurgence of point guard Baron Davis is perhaps the most essential piece of the puzzle. The veteran knows where his team-mates are, creates opportunities to score and is unselfish with the basketball. He leads the young team in assists with 186 thus far.

The silent assassin, known as guard Eric Gordon has become a clutch and reliable player down the stretch of the game. Not much of a talker, he lets his game for himself. While teams are preparing and studying ways to shut down Griffin, Gordon will dissect defenses by penetrating to the basket, killing the hopes of a victory of opposing teams. Gordon is leading the team in scoring, averaging 23 points a game, with Griffin averaging 22 a game.

For many years, the Staples Center has been the home of the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Clippers have been viewed as renting the facility. This season, the Clippers have won their sixth straight home game, giving Clipper nation a reason to call the Staples Center their own.

The “other” LA team has won 11 of their last 15 games and the Lakers have won 8 of the last 10 match-ups after losing to the plunging Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.

Be on the look-out for the return of the colorful and dynamic Chris Kaman after the All-Star break, which was sidelined due to injury, giving Los Angeles an even threat.

The Clippers have caught the attention of many and will host the NBA All-Star Break, giving them even more of the spotlight.

The Clippers face the injury plagued Portland Trail Blazers tonight on the road, tip off at 10:30pm/7:30 (PST).

Clippers Show Lakers There Are Two Teams in Los Angeles, win 99-92

The Los Angeles Clippers couldn’t wait to eliminate the bad taste of being defeated by the Los Angeles by only one point after Derek Fisher made a lay-up with less than 2 seconds left on the clock. The Clippers have waited for a month to redeem themselves to show the Lakers that the Staples Center is their home too.

The Los Angeles Clippers were coming off a statement win against the Miami Heat who came into the Staples Center on 13 road game win streak. The powerful threesome in LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Christ Bosh have average a combined 75 points per game and have playing excellent. The Clippers definitely had a huge task at hand. The Clippers battled the Heat and snapped Miami’s road win streak defeating them 11-105.

And the next opponent wasn’t a walk in the park either, the defending world champions, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Staples Center Showdown

The match-up became close in the fourth quarter when Clippers guard Eric Gordon hit a three pointer at the end of the third quarter, bringing the game within three points. It was a physical game down low with match-ups between Lakers forward Lamar Odom, who got into an altercation which got Blake Griffin ejected from the game in the fourth.

Lakers guard Bryant had 27 points, nine rebounds and five assists, but took only two shots in the final quarter. Clippers clutch guard Eric Gordon outplayed the veteran by scoring 30 points and four steals, his 11^th time in his career scoring that much. Another veteran that wasn’t showed up was Clippers guard Baron Davis, who contributed with 14 points and 8 assists.

Griffin finished the game with 18 points and 15 rebounds, notching his 26^th double-double of the season, an easy choice for Rookie of the Year.

The astounding stat of the game was the lopsided amount of assists from the Clippers over the Lakers. The Clippers played a well balanced game with twenty-eight assists while the Lakers had only twelve.

With this defeat by the hands of the Clippers, the Lakers have a 3-5 record against teams that currently have winning records, while the Clippers are 7-13 to heavy hitting teams.

The Los Angeles Lakers move over and make room for the Clipper Nation!

The Clippers and Lakers play at home on Monday for the Martin Luther King Double-Header, Clipper face the Indian Pacer, tip off at 3:30 pm (EST) and the Lakers face the Thunder, tip off at 10:30 pm (EST).

NBA Related Article: Contraction Does Nothing… Does It? http://prosportsblogging.com/nba-basketball/contraction-does-nothing-dummy/

The tenacious play of Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon and the solid contribution of Baron Davis raised the Clippers down the stretch to defeat the red hot Miami Heat. The big three scored a combined 70 of the Clippers 111 points tonight.

Miami started their road win streak on December 1, beating notables like the Spurs, Hornets, Bulls and Lakers, winning 21 of 22 games.

They came into the Staples Center and were denied.

After an altercation between Miami’s Mario Chalmers and Blake Griffin, Baron Davis created a crafty assist to Griffin, allowing Blake to finish with a monstrous dunk, staring down Chalmers in the after math. Griffin finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds, recording his 24^th straight double-double.

The polarizing statistic of the night was the points scored in the paint. The Clippers scored fifty-eight points down low and Miami’s post players contributed forty-six.

Los Angeles also showed they aren’t selfish in their scoring, winning the assist battle, with 33 assists to the Heat’s 22.

Missed foul shots down the stretch kept the Heat in the game but the lack of time outs by Miami allowed the Clippers to run the clock out to secure the victory.

The “Heatles”, what Lebron so affectionately has coined the Heat, scored 84 of Miami’s 105 points but wasn’t enough to dominate Los Angeles.

The Clippers have won three straight, making this victory eight in the last eleven match-ups.

They face the Heat again on Super Bowl Sunday in Miami, February 6 at 12:00 pm (EST).

The Clippers next opponents are the Warriors on Friday at Golden State, tip-off is at 10:30 pm (PST).