The Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks take verbal shots at one another
By Ryne Prinz
NBA fans who grew up watching the league in the 1990s and 1980s often reminisce about the “old days” when fierce rivalries were formed. Whether it was the Lakers and Celtics, Bulls and Pistons or even the Pacers and Knicks, these battles aroused an intensity and feistiness among players. Today, players are often criticized by old timers for being less physical than their predecessors. Whether its the change in play style, rules or culture, we find ourselves watching less and less rough play.
However, physicality doesn’t necessarily define a rivalry. Although they may not be as obvious, there are matchups brewing between franchises that reveal a hatred and passion. LeBron has become a villain for the Celtics and Bulls. This past season, the Warriors and Clippers were the center of conflict. Already, the Mavericks and the Clippers have feuded on and off of the court.
Everyone knows the story of the DeAndre Jordan’s change of heart this summer. Jordan was a free agent this past offseason and claimed he was signing with Dallas, rather than returning to L.A. DeAndre was an incredibly important piece to the Clippers and crucial for them to contend, and he would’ve provided Dallas with a spectacular starting center. Through a twisted turn of events and tweets, members of the Clippers traveled to DeAndre’s home in Texas, and Jordan ultimately resigned with Los Angeles. The Mavericks, particularly forward Chandler Parsons and owner Mark Cuban, felt betrayed.
It just so happened that these two teams headlined TNT’s double-header on the third day of the season. Tensions were high. Dirk Nowitzki and DeAndre exchanged hard fouls on back-to-back possessions. Technical fouls were received, but in the end, the Clippers comfortably beat the Mavs by 16 points.
More controversy was spawned by comments made by Cuban, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers and Clippers guard Chris Paul.
"You can change the owner, you can change the players but the Clippers are who they've been for the past 30 yrs" - Mark Cuban
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) October 30, 2015
"I don't give a shit about the Clippers." - Mark Cuban
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) October 30, 2015
In response, Rivers and Paul had this to say.
Doc on Cuban quote "That's so hurtful" (laughs) "We are the Clippers; that's my answer."
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) October 30, 2015
No comment from Chris Paul on Cuban's comments. "He has my number. He used to call me all the time when he wanted me to come to Dallas."
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) October 30, 2015
Granted, Dallas probably won’t be nearly as competitive as they were last year. They are dealing with injuries and an overall lack of depth. The DeAndre Jordan Saga lives on through these franchises, which provides an intriguing storyline that could continue throughout this season.