Earlier this summer, the NBA announced that they would be shortening the 2017-18 preseason in order to extend the regular season another week in order to allow more resting periods for teams while splitting up the large number of back-to-back sets. For the LA Clippers, that meant they could hopefully get fewer back-to-backs, specifically the afternoon ones on Saturday and Sunday.
Well, when the official schedule was released, their eyes were set on their first back-to-back of the season: a pair of afternoon matinees with 12:30PM tipoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat two weeks into the regular season.
Head coach Doc Rivers said that while his team will be ready for the challenge, this is one thing he mentioned to the league office at the conclusion of their 2016-17 season.
“I had one request [for the league] after the season: no back to back afternoon games,” joked Rivers after the Clippers defeated the Mavericks at home. “And they said okay. And then they did it to us. I mean, I think part of it is us being the third tenant.
“They are big games for us. We wish they weren't both at 12:30, I can tell you that, because those are trick games, but we have to be ready for them. We talked about it n the locker room already. They're tough. They sneak up on you so quick, especially when they're back-to-back. But it would be nice to take of business at home, that's all we need to focus on right now. We can't think about the road right now, we have to think about taking care of our home and if we can do that, going out on the road will make us feel a whole lot better.”
Unfortunately, the Clippers have been the recipients of some tough schedule due to the fact that, as Rivers mentioned, they are the third tenant in an arena that prioritizes the Los Angeles Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers. Guys on the team like Austin Rivers and Blake Griffin have both participated in these infamous afternoon games, and both gave their perspectives on what it'll take to win these games.
“Most of us have experienced the back to backs, and the great thing about noon games is that it's a noon game for both teams, so is not like we're at a disadvantage,” said Blake Griffin. “For us, it's just about coming in and focusing. Coming in for practice on Friday, taking advantage of these two days in between games, and coming in Saturday and executing our offense and defensive game plan.”
“They have to play those games too,” added Austin Rivers. “It is what it is. A lot of guys like back to back games. This early in the season, a lot of guys like back to backs. A lot of guys like day games too because you have the rest of the day too. I don't mind them, I don't mind them, I like them. I just wanna play basketball.”
The Clippers newest offseason addition of the summer in Danilo Gallinari told ClutchPoints he never had to deal with this specific set of games in his career until this weekend.
“Nope, this is the first time in my career,” said Gallinari when discussing the afternoon back-to-back set. “I guess the routine is going to be a little different, the day's going to be a little different, but at the end of the day you've gotta win the game.
“Memphis is one of the teams that is playing better basketball right now,they're playing with a lot of confidence. They have players that have been playing together for many years, and so we definitely gotta come out and be ready to play because they play well for 48 minutes.”
During the 82-game season, players don't have much time off to enjoy themselves and the city's nightlife. For Gallinari, that means his Friday night plans are likely going to have to be cut short.
“No definitely not,” laughed Gallinari in response to my asking him if that means no partying on Friday night. “Not even tonight, actually. My body isn't ready to party.”
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