The competition is hotting up in the NBA Western Conference, with loads of action and players starting to show their true form. This has not only been reflected in the audience numbers going up but by a growing interest in the NBA. Teams are, of course, looking at ways to improve their chances of success this season, and the Los Angeles Clippers have turned to Joakim Noah, a free-agent center.
Noah, 35, who left the Memphis Grizzlies following the conclusion of last season, is a two-time All-Star, so, he joins the Clippers with the credentials to help them in their title challenge. 2014 was one of Noah’s most successful, as he was named as the Defensive Player of the Year while playing for the Chicago Bulls. The center, who hails from New York, made the switch to the New York Knicks on leaving the Bulls in 2016, spending a couple of seasons with his home city club before heading to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2018. While there, Noah made a total of forty-two appearances in the 2018/19 campaign, recording a 7.1-point average and 5.7 rebounds per game.
Noah’s arrival was officially announced on Monday after he attended the Clipper’s defeat to rivals the LA Lakers at the Staples Centre the day before. As you will expect, the two-time NCAA champion received a warm welcome from those in attendance as he moved through the crowd to sit in the stands.
Speaking following the announcement of Noah’s arrival, Lawrence Frank, director of basketball operations, said, “Joakim is a relentless competitor and a proven winner.
“His experience, acumen and toughness fit well in our locker room.”. Following their disappointing defeat to the LA Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers bounced back immediately by beating the Golden State Warriors convincingly 131-107. The Lakers reverse saw a six-game winning streak ended abruptly, so, promptly responding, and in style, shows the Clippers continue to be a significant force in the Western Conference this season.
Kawhi Leonard was influential across the three-quarters of the game he played, scoring twenty-three points before sitting out the final quarter. Patrick Beverley and Paul George netted fifteen points each, as the Clippers saw seven of their charges turn in double figures where points were concerned. The Clippers were on fire from the outset and looked like they had a point to prove after Sunday night. They raced into an early double-digit lead and never looked back. At the halfway point, the Clippers had a twenty-eight-point advantage, and the score was 84-50 when the impressive Beverley hit back-to-back three-pointers early into the third quarter.
It was plain sailing from there, with the Clippers cruising to victory. Next up is Brooklyn on Friday night at the Staples Center. As they’re currently on an eight-game winning streak against the Nets, they will be confident heading into the fixture. The aim will be to make it two wins from two, as the Clippers look to put together another significant winning streak as they continue their push for honors this season.