Blake Griffin’s long-awaited NBA debut starts off right

[blowoutcards]

Blake Griffin’s long-awaited NBA debut starts off right
October 28, 2010, 11:26 am


By Susan Lulgjuraj | Contributing Editor

More than a year after Blake Griffin was the 2009 top overall draft pick by the Los Angeles Clippers, he finally made his NBA debut.

The Oklahoma graduate, who spent last year shelved after knee surgery, had 20 points and 14 rebounds (nine offensive) in Wednesday night’s 98-88 loss to the Portland Trailblazers.

Griffin’s play gave Clippers fans something to finally cheer about.

The game didn’t start easily for Griffin. He took two fouls early in the first quarter and needed a break. But Griffin, who finished with four fouls, also didn’t play with a man worried about making contact. He was aggressive and visibly disappointed with himself when he missed a shot or made a mistake.


Griffin has 378 basketball cards, including 142 autographs, 175 memorabilia and 26 Rookie Cards. His cards have gone up price, according to Beckett.com price trends, in the last month. Collectors seemed to be anticipating his debut.

His cards are at their highest right now and if he continues his opening night play, Griffin’s cards will become more desirable.

Blake Griffin’s long-awaited NBA debut starts off right The Beckett Blog

[UltimateDeron]

Blake had a great debut. The Clippers played well for more than three quarters, but the lack of play they got from Chris Kaman and Baron Davis hurt the Clipper's chances of winning. Kaman and Davis made just 7 of their 29 shot attempts. Eric Gordon led the Clippers in scoring with 22 points (10 of 17 shooting). Blake Griffin became just the 5th number one pick to go for a double double in their debut, with his 20 points (8-14) and 14 rebounds (9 offensive).

[whiteboybill]

E Gordon and B Griffin were both studs last night....great game for both!!!!! Griffin had some jaw dropping dunks to begin the game, and Gordon got hot later in the game, and you're right Rick, very little production from either Davis or Kaman....IMO, they can do much better at the point than Baron Davis....

[UltimateDeron]

Originally Posted by whiteboybill

E Gordon and B Griffin were both studs last night....great game for both!!!!! Griffin had some jaw dropping dunks to begin the game, and Gordon got hot later in the game, and you're right Rick, very little production from either Davis or Kaman....IMO, they can do much better at the point than Baron Davis....

I have been saying this since the Clippers signed him to that HUGE contract. Last night, Andre Miller was better than Baron Davis....and that's not saying much, lol.

Miller 14pts (5-14 shooting), 7asts, 3 steals.

Davis 8pts (3-11 shooting), 3asts, 3 steals.

[patchgenie]

clips will be out of contention by mid-season

[UltimateDeron]

Originally Posted by patchgenie

clips will be out of contention by mid-season

I agree, in Feb and March they have an 11 game road-trip followed by a 5 game road-trip. This is all in a 20 game span

[GoClips!]

Originally Posted by patchgenie

clips will be out of contention by mid-season

Hate on, hater. Hate on. This team is extremely talented, and barring injuries, will be in contention for a playoff spot. B-Griff is the real deal. I was at the game last night, and he was nearly unstoppable. Go Clips!

[patchgenie]

Originally Posted by GoClips!

Hate on, hater. Hate on. This team is extremely talented, and barring injuries, will be in contention for a playoff spot. B-Griff is the real deal. I was at the game last night, and he was nearly unstoppable. Go Clips!

I would agree that the starting 5 are strong, but the bench is mediocre at best.

[whiteboybill]

Originally Posted by UltimateDeron

I have been saying this since the Clippers signed him to that HUGE contract. Last night, Andre Miller was better than Baron Davis....and that's not saying much, lol.

Miller 14pts (5-14 shooting), 7asts, 3 steals.

Davis 8pts (3-11 shooting), 3asts, 3 steals.

Pretty bad when Miller out performs your starting PG!!!

[whiteboybill]

Originally Posted by patchgenie

I would agree that the starting 5 are strong, but the bench is mediocre at best.

Unfortunately the Clips got our old coach after we booted him out.....would take D Rose out of the game for the final minutes until Pax kicked his A$$, then would fail miserably on match ups, not call time outs when needed, and basically just tell Derrick "run the offense"....

[UltimateDeron]

Originally Posted by whiteboybill

Unfortunately the Clips got our old coach after we booted him out.....would take D Rose out of the game for the final minutes until Pax kicked his A$$, then would fail miserably on match ups, not call time outs when needed, and basically just tell Derrick "run the offense"....

I like VDN, he did a good job with the young player on the Bulls (Rose, Taj, and Noah), and I think he will do the same with Blake and EJ. He is learning as a coach, so with that comes mistakes.

[whiteboybill]

Originally Posted by UltimateDeron

I like VDN, he did a good job with the young player on the Bulls (Rose, Taj, and Noah), and I think he will do the same with Blake and EJ. He is learning as a coach, so with that comes mistakes.

He had his good points (development of Rose), but also had his bad points....but like you say Rick, he was learning and we all as humans make mistakes. I think everyone saw that since we had Rose, we need to immediately build a championship caliber team, including a coach.
I was always 50/50 with VDN....but thought we might be able to get someone better. VDN may go on to become a very good coach and Thibs may flop...only time will tell!