(Image Source: LA Times)
BY ANDREW CARTER
ANCHOR EMILY SPAIN
The Los Angeles Clippers -- historically LA’s “other” basketball team -- have brewed up quite the rivalry with the cross-town Lakers. Wednesday night’s game showed these teams are far from friendly.
Things got chippy last night in the second edition of the “Battle for LA” at the Staples Center.
The media says it’s creating a playoff atmosphere.
The LA Times says, these aren’t your daddy’s Clippers.
“It used to be all that mattered when the Clippers played the Lakers was whether Jack Nicholson bothered to show. No more. This one clearly mattered.”
No exchange was scrutinized more than this exchange between Pau Gasol and the Clippers’ newest addition, Chris Paul.
Paul wasn’t very fond of Gasol’s head-rub as he told USA Today after the game.
“I don't know if Pau's got kids, but don't touch my head like I'm one of your kids. I don't know what his intentions were, like, 'I'll treat him like little Chris.' I don't know if he's got kids, but I'm not one of them.”
Gasol, not known as one of the league’s “tough guys,” told ESPN after the game there are certain situations when backing down isn’t an option. ESPN Analyst Tim Leigler reacted to the confrontation between the two players.
“That kind of thing. But to me, overreaction by Chris Paul but I get where he's coming from. I don't think Pau Gasol intended to disrespect him.”
The part basketball, part shoving match resulted in a combined six technical fouls between the two teams.
This started conversation between the media about the physical play and rivalry.
“What transpired Wednesday between the Lakers and Clippers looked like it meant much more than one win in the West.”
Los Angeles Times columnist Bill Plaschke (Plash-Key) believes in the Clippers, but not their attitude.
“Fellas, you’re good. We get it...And you certainly didn’t need to subject the city to nearly three hours of cheap stuff and chippiness Wednesday night to make your point.”
As if the game was the actual story, the Lakers did win 96-91 evening up the season series at one-a-piece.
