(Finally) Fully Loaded Clippers

   I always write about the Heat and Lakers, I know. And they played each other today in a hotly contested game, I know. But today I'm writing about their opening act, Clippers-Knicks. In a battle of conference challengers, but not yet favorites, the Clips emerged at the better team representing the better conference.
   With Lob City having all their guys for only the second time all season, people got to see the best bench in the league. The Clipper bench was +78 and really won this game for L.A. With only a one-point lead to start the fourth, Jamal Crawford and Co. piled it on and gave Chris Paul a nice cushion to close out the game.
   This one was personal for Crawford, looking to score against his former team. He lead the Clippers with 27 points. Most importantly for L.A. is that they are getting everything from the bench. scoring from Crawford, size from Ryan Hollins, smarts from Lamar Odom and Grant Hill, and torrid perimeter energy from Eric Bledsoe and Matt Barnes. With such a deep rotation, the Clippers' perfect lineup will change from game to game, but this looked like a team today that will compete with the Thunder and Spurs out west.
   Late in games, it's unclear what Vinny Del Negro will do, but here's his best bet for tight games. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are the two certainties in the closing minutes, and the size and rebounding of Deandre Jordan makes him a certainty as well, but what about the other two perimeter spots?
   On offense, Crawford must be on the court for his uncanny bail-out ability and floor-spreading. Chauncey Billups is the fifth guy here. His shot-making and high IQ make him a necessity. On defense, Bledsoe replaces liability Crawford and Hill subs in for Billups to give some added length on D.
   Even though the season is slightly more than halfway done, this resounding win over the Knicks is essentially the start of the Clippers second act. The team is at full strength finally and  with Chris Paul leading the way, you know Lob City is thinking Finals or bust.
   Quick words on the Knicks: Not even a Herculean effort from Melo could have New York tonight. His 42 points were only accompanied by only one teammate, Raymond Felton, scoring in double figures. J.R. Smith had his big chance to outplay fellow Sixth Man contender Crawford, and he failed. Smith went 1 for 9 shooting as he and his bench crew were outclassed by the superior Crawford and Clips reserves.