The Los Angeles Clippers survived and advanced earlier today in game 7 of their first round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies. The series victory was the first for the Clippers since the 05-06 season. Former ‘Cat Eric Bledsoe was a huge part of the team’s success in the series. With Chris Paul tweaking a hip injury earlier in the series, L.A. relied more upon Bledsoe and fellow guards Nick Young and Mo Williams. Bledsoe contributed all series long, especially in game 6 where he recorded 14 points, six assists and four rebounds.
He averaged six points in the series while providing stifling defense on Memphis guards O.J. Mayo and Mike Conley. Bledsoe is the only former ‘Cat to play for Coach Cal who is in the playoffs so I think it’s easy for most non-NBA fans to root for the Clippers. L.A. now moves on to face the San Antonio Spurs, the 1-seed in the Western Conference. No former ‘Cats play for the Spurs and Tim Duncan is the most boring superstar of all-time, so rooting for Eric and the Clippers should be an easy decision for everyone. Other former ‘Cats still alive in the playoffs include Nazr Mohammed (Thunder), Jodie Meeks (76ers), and Rajon Rondo (Celtics).