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Howdy, folks. Welcome back to Layup Lines. It’s Sykes here to usher you into the basketball weekend.
My goodness, man. Poor Clippers fans. I’m sorry. I’m so so so sorry. The torment that you all are having to deal with right now is just unimaginable — and that’s coming from me, a much-maligned Wizards fan.
The Clippers missed Kawhi Leonard, obviously. But Russell Westbrook went off. LA also got a 40-point game out of Normal Powell. Norm. Powell. Y’all. The Clippers probably should’ve found a way to win that game. Alas. LA still somehow managed to lose to the Suns because of 46 (!!!!) free throws in Game 3.
But this is not simply a reaction to the news of Kawhi Leonard missing the Clippers’ pivotal Game 3 with a seemingly phantom knee injury. That dude has been balling for a long time now so, of course, that hurts.
That’s just part of the issue. The real problem is, well, this just keeps happening. Not this exactly. But stuff like this.
If it’s not one thing with the Clippers, it’s another. It’s been that way forever. Debilitating injuries, petty teammate beefs, insane blown leads. The Clippers have had it all.
I want to believe in the Clippers so badly. I really, really do. But when the Basketball Gods tell you it ain’t happening. Guess what? It ain’t happening.
And that’s what the Kawhi Leonard Clipper era feels like. It ain’t happening.
In 2020 the team blows a 3-1 lead to Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. In 2021, the team looks primed for a championship run and then Kawhi Leonard tears his ACL. In 2022, the team can’t even make the play-in. Why? Injuries. Fast forward to today and what’s the problem? Injuries. Again. It ain’t happening.
This unfair, man. Truly. It’s worth noting that Leonard could come back — he’s day-to-day for Game 4. And, if he does make it back soon, the Clippers could make a run. He’s been that good.
But just looking at the Clippers history? I’m not holding my breath.
I’m sorry, Clippers fans. I feel for you. From one fan of a cursed franchise to another, I hope that, someday, the patience you’ve shown this team is repaid tenfold. Because you truly deserve it. We deserve it.
One day the Basketball Gods will shine down upon us. Until then, try not to give up hope.
The Tip-Off
Some NBA goodness from around the USA TODAY Sports network.
There are lots of things you can say about Stephen Curry. Calling him a bad teammate is not one of them.
This dude is still riding for Draymond Green after he curb-stomped Domantas Sabonis, for better or worse. He knows his guy is wrong. But it’s still his guy. And he dropped an incredible quote letting us know exactly that. Bryan Kalbrosky has more.
The former NBA Defensive Player of the Year was suspended for stomping on Sacramento big man Domantas Sabonis. The league office indicated that the discipline “was based in part on Green’s history of unsportsmanlike acts” from previous transgressions.
Likely referencing the messaging from the NBA, Curry told TNT’s Ernie Johnson: “They say Draymond’s got a history, so do we.”
That’s a bar. I’m sure Draymond Green appreciated it just like the rest of us did, too.
One to Watch
(All odds via Tipico.)
Cavaliers (+1.5) @ Knicks (-1.5, -125), O/U 211.5, 8:30 PM ET
The Knicks and Cavaliers have given us the absolute dog fight of a series that we’ve been looking for. This feels like 90s basketball. It’s physical. There are lots of quick guards and even a bit of post play. And, now, things shift to Madison Square Garden where I’m sure Donovan Mitchell will get a very warn reception.
Cannot wait.
Shootaround
—I’m glad Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are good again. It gives us amazing exchanges like this one.
— Here are 9 head coaching candidates to replace Nick Nurse in Toronto, including Ime Udoka.
— The Kings-Warriors series has given us some pretty wild moments, but none wilder than this steal (with an elbow) from Jordan Poole on Domantas Sabonis.
—The officiating during the playoffs has been frustrating so far, but the players deserve some blame for that.
That’s all, folks. Enjoy the weekend!
