Chris Paul diplomatic when asked about team’s supposed improved chemistry

Chris Paul

Chris Paul/Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Clippers, NBA.com

 

It wasn’t long ago that a column that appeared on NBA.com suggested the Clippers players didn’t like one another. The Clippers since that time have shipped out four players and brought in two; the sequence of moves began Jan. 7. Gone are Chris Douglas-Roberts, Jared Cunningham, Jordan Farmar and Reggie Bullock and now here are Austin Rivers and Dahntay Jones.
With the spirt of the team seemingly at a season-high, Chris Paul was asked Saturday if the chemistry has improved since the moves have been made.

He was very careful with this touchy subject.
“I think we’re playing with a really good spirit,” he said. “I’m not saying it’s one way or the other because of this or because of that, but we’re playing a little bit better. Moving the ball and just playing with the right spirit. I don’t know what that means.”

The Clippers are 6-2 since Jan. 7.

 

 

Warriors run away from Clippers in second half in Oakland

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Jared Cunningham

Jared Cunningham/Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Clippers

 

Down by just two points at halftime, the Clippers did not have a strong second half and the result was a 125-107 loss Tuesday night at Golden State. The Clippers are now 1-5 in exhibition play with just two games left before the regular season begins Oct. 30 against Oklahoma City.

Leading just 62-60 at the break, the Warriors outscored the Clippers 35-25 in the third quarter to lead by 12 (97-85) heading into the fourth quarter.

Blake Griffin and Chris Paul were given the night off.

Guard Jared Cunningham led the Clippers with 23 points, but he was just 6 of 15 from the field as the Clippers shot just 38.6 percent from the field. J.J. Redick scored 21, also shooting 6 of 15. Spencer Hawes, starting in place of Griffin, scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. And DeAndre Jordan had 13 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block; he did most of that damage in the first half.

Matt Barnes’ shooting woes continued. Heading in he had made just 2 of 24 from the field. He went 1 of 7 Tuesday and is now 3 of 31.

Jamal Crawford scored 10 off the bench, but shot just 2 of 8.

Also, Golden State (5-2) not only shot a robust 59 percent – 59.1 percent from 3-pont range (13 of 22) – they outrebounded the Clippers 46-31. The Warriors’ Stephen Curry led everyone with 27 points. Six other Warriors scored in double figures.