The Staples Center was blue and red as the Clippers hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday Night. This game featured Rookie of the Year Blake Griffin against a possible ROY Kyrie Irving, the point guard for the Clippers. For Clipper fans, it was a chance to look at what have been seeing Irving. The midseason Baron Davis-Mo Williams trade included the first round pick of the Cavaliers which turned out to be number one overall. The Cavaliers were looking to put last season's distaster behind them as they struggled mightily post Lebron.
The Clippers opened the game in spectacular fashion as Griffin rattled the rim with several high wire dunks and grabbing every rebound. Along with DeAndre Jordan, the Clippers dominated the Cavaliers on the interior and raced out to a 23-5 start in the opening eight minutes. The Cavaliers were able to compose themselves and cut the lead to ten at the end of one, 32-22. Griffin scoring 14 points and grabbing 7 rebounds to open the festivities.
The second quarter began with Irving showing why he was the number one pick. He used his deft touch from midrange to shoot over the top of the smaller Eric Bledsoe and scored eight of the first twelve Cavalier points as the Cavalier whittle the lead down to one at 35-34 to start the quarter. Irving also showed a knack at the defensive end, pressuring the ball and disrupting the Clippers flow. The Clipper starters were re-inserted and Griffin and Eric Gordon took control. Doing their best Stockton-Malone imitation, the duo ran a two man game effectively scoring basket after basket, Griffin or Gordon scored the last 21 points of the quarter as the Clippers led 56-49 at half time. Griffin leading all scorers with 24 at the half, Gordon adding 16.
The third quarter was all Eric Gordon. Gordon kept the Cavaliers from ever getting back into the game. Showing off his strength, quickness, and finishing ability around the basket, the young star scored 19 in the third quarter on 7 of 9 field goals and 5 for 5 free throws. The Cavaliers couldnt corral Gordon as he carved them up with agressive drives. Antwan Jamison chipped in 12 points in the quarter to keep the Cavaliers within striking distance but the Clippers led 83-73 at the end of the third.
Gordon continued to have his way with the Cavaliers in the fourth even with Cleveland taking away his drive. He stepped back to the 3-point arc, draining four threes in the fourth quarter on his way to 17 more points. Gordon became the first man in the NBA to break the 50 point mark, scoring 52 as the Clippers cruised to the victory , 110-90. The final stat line for the Gordon, 52 points on 19-29 field goals (5-9 3ptfg), 9-9 free throws
Where's Baron?
Baron Davis, sat out the game with back spasms, missing a return to his hometown
Other Scores
Washington 101, Miami 103
Philadelphia 98, Orlando 90
New York 90, Detroit 95
Portland 99, Phoenix 112
New Orleans 100, LA Lakers 95
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