With each passing game Blake Griffin is raising the bar for what we should expect from rookies in the NBA.
Through 35 games Griffin has recorded 28 double-doubles, including 22 straight dating back to November 18th. He's now averaging 21.7 ppg, 12.5 rpg, and 3.2 apg on 52.3% shooting from the field.
It's not just the numbers that make Griffin special. To me it's the way he has re energized the Los Angeles Clippers franchise. For years L.A.'s "other" basketball team has been the perennial laughing stock of the NBA. The team has an owner that nobody likes, a front office that has made some of the most questionable decisions in league history, and a fan base that has been ashamed to claim their team. To quote a high school coach of mine, the situation has been one big clusterfuck.
It's clear that times have changed. Griffin's game, grit, and raw enthusiasm have helped the Clippers turn a much needed corner. Donald Sterling may still be a lame owner, and it will take time for folks to have faith in management, but it's an improvement. Their record may only be 11-24, but I don't see the embarrassment in the faces of the fans anymore. They're now on the edge of their seats for a full 48 minutes and it's not because Kobe, LeBron, or Kevin Durant is in their building.
Through 35 games Griffin has recorded 28 double-doubles, including 22 straight dating back to November 18th. He's now averaging 21.7 ppg, 12.5 rpg, and 3.2 apg on 52.3% shooting from the field.
It's not just the numbers that make Griffin special. To me it's the way he has re energized the Los Angeles Clippers franchise. For years L.A.'s "other" basketball team has been the perennial laughing stock of the NBA. The team has an owner that nobody likes, a front office that has made some of the most questionable decisions in league history, and a fan base that has been ashamed to claim their team. To quote a high school coach of mine, the situation has been one big clusterfuck.
It's clear that times have changed. Griffin's game, grit, and raw enthusiasm have helped the Clippers turn a much needed corner. Donald Sterling may still be a lame owner, and it will take time for folks to have faith in management, but it's an improvement. Their record may only be 11-24, but I don't see the embarrassment in the faces of the fans anymore. They're now on the edge of their seats for a full 48 minutes and it's not because Kobe, LeBron, or Kevin Durant is in their building.
Here is visual evidence of exactly what I mean.
Blake had a monster game against Denver. Dude dropped 22 points, grabbed 18 boards, and handed out seven dimes. The best part about Griffin's solid performance, was the fact that the Clippers actually defeated Denver 106-93.
Good post.happy new year.
ReplyDeleteThanks Keith! Same to you!
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