In what's been a memorable year for the Los Angeles Clippers who went from being a sub .500 ball club (32-50) just a year ago to a 5th seed and advancing to the second round of the Western Conference Playoffs this season, the franchise was struck with an early exit. After a back and forth battle which featured a decisive game 7 victory on the road against the 4th seeded Memphis Grizzlies, the Clippers were given the daunting task of having to go up against the no. 1 seeded San Antonio Spurs. Fresh off their sweep of the Utah Jazz in the first round, San Antonio's veteran experience proved to be too much for a banged up Clippers squad who saw their 2012 campaign end much sooner than many would've hoped. After tying the Chicago Bulls for a league-best record of 50-16 during the regular season, the Gregg Popovich-led Spurs continued doing what they've done all season long -- winning, by moving to a perfect record of 8-0 this post-season and pulling off the sweep of the Clippers, serving as a blockade to L.A.'s magical run.
Despite being eliminated, the Clippers' season ended with their heads held high. Having been in the shadow of their Los Angeles counterparts -- the Lakers who the Clippers share a venue with, L.A.'s "other team" was given a different wrap in 2012 thanks in large part to a newly constructed roster which featured newcomers Kenyon Martin, Chauncey Billups, Mo Williams, Caron Butler, Nick Young, and All-Star Chris Paul. Coupled with returning players DeAndre Jordan and the high-flying Blake Griffin, the Clippers would showcase one of the West's better teams. Unfortunately, a season-ending injury sustained to Chauncey Billups would put a dent in the Clippers' season and spell doom for their chances of winning the franchise's first NBA title. Had Billups been healthy, there's no telling how the seeding would've shaped up and where the Clippers would be right now. My guess is they'd still be alive and well. Instead the organization and their fans will have to sit back and wait alongside the 26 other teams who's season has also ended.
Although they might not have reached the ultimate goal this season, 2012 was still a success for the Clippers who not only gave their fans something to cheer about other than a Blake Griffin highlight-dunk, but also made only their eighth trip to the post-season in franchise history and fifth time since moving to Los Angeles in 1984. And with the nucleus of talent they have now, a season of experience having played with one another can't hurt and should only help the team in 2013. The biggest question mark regarding the team, however, is whether or not head coach Vinny Del Negro who's been at the helm in L.A. since 2010 will be the one on the sidelines drawing up plays for a fourth season. While the head coaching position begs a question, one thing that is certain is that the Clippers won't be taken lightly by other teams heading into the season like they have been in years passed.
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