The Los Angeles Clippers are currently one of the most popular teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA). They have a large and loyal fan base, and the team regularly makes the playoffs. But the story of how the team got to where it is today is just as fascinating as their current level of success. This article will explore the fascinating history of the Los Angeles Clippers and how they became one of the most popular NBA teams.
The Origin Of The Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are the oldest professional basketball team in the city of Los Angeles. The team was founded in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves, during the ABA-NBA merger. The team was originally owned by Buffalo entrepreneur Irv Levin and located in Buffalo, NY. The team was very successful in its first few years, making the playoffs in each of its first three seasons.
Relocation To San Diego
Levin eventually sold the team to John Y. Brown Jr. and Irv Kosloff in 1978, and they decided to relocate the team to San Diego. The team was renamed the San Diego Clippers, and the team played in the San Diego Sports Arena. They quickly became a successful franchise, making the playoffs in eight of their first 10 seasons in San Diego.
Rise To Prominence in Los Angeles
In 1984, the team was sold to Donald Sterling and relocated to Los Angeles, where they took on the current name of the Los Angeles Clippers. The team struggled in their early years in Los Angeles, but began to rise in popularity during the early 1990s. In the 1992-1993 season, the team was led by All-Stars Gary Payton and Dominique Wilkins, and made their first ever playoff appearance in Los Angeles.
The Arrival of Blake Griffin and the Big Three Era
The turning point in the franchise's history came in 2009, when they selected Blake Griffin with the first overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. Griffin was a superstar player, and he was joined by Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan in 2011 to form the "Big Three" core of the team. In the 2011-2012 season, the team made the playoffs for the first time since 2006, losing in the first round to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Recent Success
Since then, the team has become a consistent playoff team and one of the most popular teams in the NBA. During the 2012-2013 season, the team won a franchise-record 56 games and advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals before losing to the San Antonio Spurs. The Clippers have also made the playoffs for seven straight seasons, advancing to the Western Conference Finals in both 2014 and 2015.
The Future of the Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are one of the most popular teams in the NBA and they have a bright future. Their current core players are Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, and DeAndre Jordan, and they are complemented by role players such as J.J. Redick and Austin Rivers. The team is consistently competing for a championship and the fan base is larger than ever.
The Los Angeles Clippers have come a long way since their inception, and they are now one of the most popular teams in the NBA. From their early success as the Buffalo Braves to becoming one of the league's best teams, the Clippers have an interesting history that has shaped the team into what it is today.
As a fan of the Los Angeles Clippers, it's important to stay up to date on the news and events surrounding the team. And if you're looking for a great gaming experience, don't forget to check out BMY88 Casino Online Philippines for some of the best gaming options in the country.
