Fellas...this is one of the best days of my life!

Well fellas...I know a lot of you are die hard fans for your team no matter what the sport. I am a huge sports fan and have been all my life. But today is the biggest day of my "sports fan" life.

A lot of you have gone through ups and downs with your teams I am sure...rebuilding...disappointing playoff losses...blockbuster trades...etc. As a Clipper fan, I have rarely had the opportunity to enjoy anything other than the excitement of draft day where we always held a lottery pick.

I have been a Clippers fan for over 25 years. I am only 30 so I started young when the rest of California was busy jumping on the Lakers "Showtime" bandwagon. I still remember the last time we went to the playoffs when I was in high school. An awesome feeling.

I have sat through the following drafts:

1998...we take Michael Olowokandi with the 1st overall pick. Here is who went in the top 10 after our pick:

Mike Bibby
Vince Carter
Dirk Nowitzki
Paul Pierce

Boy did we get a steal there...

1996...we take Lorenzen Wright at #7. Good thing we passed on these guys who went after him:

Kobe Bryant
Pedrag Stojakovich
Steve Nash
Jermaine O'Neal

1995...we take Antonio McDyess #2. Then we trade him for Brent Barry and Rodney Rogers. Thank God we took McDyess at #2 instead of Rasheed Wallace or Kevin Garnett who followed our pick.

1994...we take Lamond Murray at #7. This actually turns out to be a decent pick as no one after him really made it other than Eddie Jones.

1992...we take Randy Woods at #16 and get another steal in Elmore Spencer at #25.

1990 #8 Bo Kimble
1989 #2 Danny Ferry

I have sat through these seasons:

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%" align=center bgColor=#ffffff><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle bgColor=#000099>Season</TD><TD align=middle bgColor=#000099>Wins</TD><TD align=middle bgColor=#000099>Losses</TD><TD align=middle bgColor=#000099>Pct.</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>2002-03</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>27</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>55</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>.329</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>2001-02</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>39</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>43</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>.476</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>2000-01</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>31</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>51</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>.378</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>1999-00</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>15</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>67</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>.183</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>1998-99</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>9</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>41</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>.180</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>1997-98</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>17</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>65</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>.207</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>1996-97</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>36</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>46</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>.439</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>1995-96</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>29</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>53</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>.354</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>1994-95</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>17</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>65</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>.207</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>1993-94</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>27</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>55</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>.329</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>1992-93</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>41</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>41</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>.500</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>1991-92</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>45</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>37</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>.549</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>1990-91</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>31</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>51</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>.378</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>1989-90</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>30</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>52</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>.366</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>1988-89</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>21</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>61</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>.256</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>1987-88</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>17</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>65</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>.207</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>1986-87</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>12</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>70</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>.146</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>1985-86</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>32</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>50</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>.390</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>1984-85</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>31</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>51</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>.378</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>1983-84</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>30</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>52</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>.366</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>1982-83</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>25</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>57</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>.305</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>1981-82</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>17</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>65</TD><TD class=gsGROWOdd align=middle>.207</TD></TR><TR><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>1980-81</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>36</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>46</TD><TD class=gsGROWEven align=middle>.439</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

But this weekend I will be heading to the Staples Center to see my first ever Clippers playoff game. After sitting through season after season of absolutely miserable basketball...this feels really great.

With tonight's loss, we are the #6 seed and have home court advantage over Denver in the 1st round of the playoffs.

Granted, we aren't a contender for a title without Maggette, but going to the playoffs for me as a Clippers fan is about as rewarding as the top teams winning a title. There were years where I felt we would never be a playoff team. I thought Sterling would do everything possible to keep this team away from the spotlight.

Awesome, awesome feeling to be heading to the Staples this weekend as an honest LIFELONG Clippers fan that has waited for this day for 25 years. I can assure you no other fans have waited this long and gone through this many years of horrid seasons...simply because no other franchise has been this bad. The future looks bright, but it wouldn't feel near this good if this was something that happened year in and year out.

:toast:

Congrats and i hope you didnt have to pay for second round playoff tickets in advance.

i think i woulda been crying pretty hard in 98-99...congrats man

congrats, I actually have been rooting for them just for you.

Congrats ! Its been a Long time comeing!

enjoy it it and I think they will make a huge run as well!

Great post Clipper...your day is coming as a fan.

I love the historic look back.

I left out a lot of my personal experience about attending games at the Sports Arena. What a mess.

Many of you already know the story, but after one of the games a friend and I were mugged and my friend was shot and killed. One of the darkest days of my life.

Needless to say, I really enjoy the new location.

Good to see its not always about the money and real fans still exist (like Dante with his Steelers).

Hope they go far!

How does a 6 seed have home court. That is not right Denver won their division did they not. That means they are the 3 seed for the 1st rd. Either I always had an eye for the clips year after year they just blew it, but they do have some serious talent. Goodluck Clip I think tey get to the 2nd rd.

Clippers have the better record...better record gets home court advantage. That way teams don't get screwed for playing in the tougher division I guess. Doesn't make much sense as far as the seeding and the importance of winning your division.

Clip sorry buddy but that's not right. Denver won thier division they get homecourt in the 1st rd. Than it goes by record.

TheRightSide said:

Clip sorry buddy but that's not right. Denver won thier division they get homecourt in the 1st rd. Than it goes by record.

Click to expand...

Sorry man...you are wrong. I already have my tickets.

This is on the ESPN NBA page also...

"The Clippers might have won by losing to the Grizzlies on Tuesday. L.A. is the No. 6 seed in the West but has home court against No. 3 Denver, while No. 5 Memphis gets No. 4 Dallas."

Great Post

Like to see the TRUE Fans stick with their Teams

I think they can take Den out
They won a back 2 back in Jan and are 3-1 vs Den this Yr

Enjoy them playoff games :toast:

Coop

Congratulations bro...rooting for the Wizards, I can somewhat relate, although not to your degree. Take out the Nugs and get a crack at the Suns in the 2nd round.

Oh, by the way, you'll appreciate this: I'm playing in a bball tourney on Sunday(friendly thing, do it every few weeks), and I'm one of the captains for this week for our draft.

My team name: The Boniface Ndongs.

SkinsRaj28 said:

Congratulations bro...rooting for the Wizards, I can somewhat relate, although not to your degree. Take out the Nugs and get a crack at the Suns in the 2nd round.

Oh, by the way, you'll appreciate this: I'm playing in a bball tourney on Sunday(friendly thing, do it every few weeks), and I'm one of the captains for this week for our draft.

My team name: The Boniface Ndongs.

Click to expand...

:lolBIG:

I love the fact it is pronounced Dong. A 7 foot dong...only on the Clippers.

<TABLE class=bgBdr cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=bgHdr1><TD colSpan=3>Conf Rank</TD></TR><TR class=bgHdr2><TD>Rk</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD align=middle>GB</TD></TR><TR class=bgC onmouseover="this.className='bgHigh';" onmouseout="this.className='bgC';"><TD>1</TD><TD>x-Spurs*</TD><TD align=middle>-</TD></TR><TR class=bgHigh onmouseover="this.className='bgHigh';" onmouseout="this.className='bgC';"><TD>2</TD><TD>x-Suns*</TD><TD align=middle>9.0</TD></TR><TR class=bgC onmouseover="this.className='bgHigh';" onmouseout="this.className='bgC';"><TD>3</TD><TD>x-Nuggets*</TD><TD align=middle>18.0</TD></TR><TR class=bgC onmouseover="this.className='bgHigh';" onmouseout="this.className='bgC';"><TD>4</TD><TD>x-Mavericks</TD><TD align=middle>2.0</TD></TR><TR class=bgC onmouseover="this.className='bgHigh';" onmouseout="this.className='bgC';"><TD>5</TD><TD>x-Grizzlies</TD><TD align=middle>14.5</TD></TR><TR class=bgC onmouseover="this.className='bgHigh';" onmouseout="this.className='bgC';"><TD>6</TD><TD>x-Clippers</TD><TD align=middle>15.5</TD></TR><TR class=bgC onmouseover="this.className='bgHigh';" onmouseout="this.className='bgC';"><TD>7</TD><TD>x-Lakers</TD><TD align=middle>18.0</TD></TR><TR class=bgC onmouseover="this.className='bgHigh';" onmouseout="this.className='bgC';"><TD>8</TD><TD>x-Kings</TD><TD align=middle>19.0</TD></TR><TR class=bgC onmouseover="this.className='bgHigh';" onmouseout="this.className='bgC';"><TD>9</TD><TD>Jazz</TD><TD align=middle>22.0</TD></TR><TR class=bgC onmouseover="this.className='bgHigh';" onmouseout="this.className='bgC';"><TD>10</TD><TD>Hornets</TD><TD align=middle>24.0</TD></TR><TR class=bgC onmouseover="this.className='bgHigh';" onmouseout="this.className='bgC';"><TD>11</TD><TD>SuperSonics</TD><TD align=middle>27.5</TD></TR><TR class=bgC onmouseover="this.className='bgHigh';" onmouseout="this.className='bgC';"><TD>12</TD><TD>Rockets</TD><TD align=middle>28.0</TD></TR><TR class=bgC onmouseover="this.className='bgHigh';" onmouseout="this.className='bgC';"><TD>13</TD><TD>Warriors</TD><TD align=middle>28.0</TD></TR><TR class=bgC onmouseover="this.className='bgHigh';" onmouseout="this.className='bgC';"><TD>14</TD><TD>Timberwolves</TD><TD align=middle>29.0</TD></TR><TR class=bgC onmouseover="this.className='bgHigh';" onmouseout="this.className='bgC';"><TD>15</TD><TD>Trail Blazers</TD><TD align=middle>41.0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


Clip check your tickets it should not say a date on it for the game. It should just say game #1 and 2 and so on. That does not mean game 1 of series that means the 1st home game for the Clippers. Not trying to rain on your parade here. I know what playoff tickets look like becuase the PISTONS have been there alot lately.

This is from Foxsports notice how they have the Nuggets have the 3 seed. Even though they have a worst record. That is because they have home court advantage in the 1st rd. That is their reward for winning their division.

You aren't raining on my parade bro...this has been the talk in Clipperland and the NBA all week. Even Elton doesn't know why they do it this way:

"This isn't our fault. We're not doing anything wrong, but the league has put us in this position," Clippers forward Elton Brand told the Los Angeles Times on Monday. "The league has put people in position to have to answer these questions about seeding, first-round matchups and all of that.

"All I know is that we get the home court [advantage] if we're sixth, and we don't get it if we're fifth. I know something doesn't seem right about that, but that's just the way it is, and we're working under the rules."

It is the NBA way of doing it. :toast:

...and I thought being a Cubs fan was pointless masochism.

D2bets said:

...and I thought being a Cubs fan was pointless masochism.

Click to expand...

Your day is coming as well my friend...but let's be honest, you have had decent seasons. LOL

This could be your year as well...Clippers and Cubs making the playoffs in the same year...who woulda thunk?