Led by Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, the Los Angeles Clippers are now receiving  they’re well deserved recognition after an impressive defeat of the juggernaut that is, Oklahoma City Thunder.

Whether it is the high flying antics of number 32(Blake Griffin) or the cutting, slashing, high caliber handles of Chris Paul, the clippers are serious contenders in the NBA’s western conference. This season they have flew past not only the Thunder, but the Miami Heat in an overtime victory, the Denver Nuggets on the road, and many other contenders for the all elusive Larry O’ Brien trophy every young player dreams of hoisting up.

Chris Paul was clearly the top player on the floor, shooting a miraculous 12 for 17, scoring 26 points along with a memorizing 14 assists and 2 steals. While his overall game was specatcular tonight, it was his fourth quarter leadership that got the boys in white the win. CP3 was dominant in the 4th quarter scoring, shooting 4 for 6 for a total of 8 points to close out the league’s best thunder and put a stamp on the map across the league for all squads to watch out for.

Never the less, after tonight many should be asking, “CP3 for MVP”? Not so far fetched after all.

What is the meaning of pressure? “The feeling of stressful urgency caused by the necessity of doing or achieving something, esp. with limited time.” Any one person who has participated in any form of competition, whether it was a simple game of tic-tac-toe, or a league driven game such as NBA basketball, know how hard it is to perform in these situations. Times like these can make or break the outcome, and some thrive, others fall. It can decide whether your a champion, or a never was.

Take basketball for example, there is always one player, sometimes more, whether it’s the starting point guard, or the big man in the middle, a coach can always count on this one player with virtually no time on the clock. These players have the “ice water” that is so hard to come across.

Players like, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan, have this trait that cannot be passed on through coaching or tutelage. It is something an athlete is born with, both a luxury and a rarity, only a handful of players possess.

Many of you know him as the “Durnatula” or “KD”, with a wingspan as tall as someone almost a half a foot taller, Kevin Durant has surpassed everyone in the league with game winning shots, electric moves to the basket, and a sweet, extraordinary, stroke of genius. 

Since he came into the league, Oklahoma City’s rising star is all the more proof his greatness is virtually limitless and partially tapped at a mere 23 years old. So far, for the 2011-12 season, he is averaging a hair over 26 points per game, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. This is nothing new to most NBA fans, over the last 3 years Durant has averaged over 25 points a game, winning the scoring title for the last 2 years running. With a flawless jump shot, his 7’5” wingspan allows him to penetrate the paint and get to the line whenever he pleases and shoot over most defenders. Teams are decimated by this lethal combination. It’s a “pick your poison” situation for virtually any foe. Either foul him an he goes to the free throw line, shooting a hairline under 89 percent for his career, or send a double team leaving one of the great Thunder shooters open on the three point line. Durant is not lacking any help however, whether it be top tier point guard Russell Westbrook, or “twin tower” front line, Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka, this makes the Thunder the top team in the west.

Anyone remember that Kia Tip Off commercial? Quoting, “Big Things are Comming”. Well, big things have already came, that is, you guessed it, Kevin Durant.

It was opening week this week for the NBA and a long awaited one it was. Besides the enjoyment of having basketball back in our lives, there was a lot of bright spots other than just simply sitting down on our couches again with family or even cheering for your favorite team in the stands of the arenas. Listening to the squeak on the hardwood, crossover dribbles, nail biting finishes, all things surely missed until Christmas day when basketball made it’s welcomed return. With ESPN’s Marc Steins power rankings released today there was no surprise when the Miami Heat were atop the list. Miami has looked stellar this year, showcasing they’re rock solid lock down defense, and a new offensive system. This system incorporates a high tempo, penetrating style with a series of pick and rolls, and when you have the luxury of the two best play makers in the league in LeBron James and Dwayne Wade in your starting five you can see why it works so well. With all the time in the off season to rethink what worked, and did not after their finals loss, coach Erik Spolstra traveled to the University of Oregon, and took a page out of their offensive playbook. Oregon is one of the top college football teams in the country, with, you guessed it, a very up tempo run and gun type offense. Showcasing an exciting, efficient, well oiled offensive system that ranks atop college football. Watching all of Miami’s games this year, you can see how much faster they run the offense. It works well for them with Miami still unbeaten this year(5-0). Also, with the addition Norris Cole, a rookie out of Cleveland State,  he brings a new found energy that Miami has been lacking. He also can perform down the stretch in late game situations which has been the Heat’s weak point in the past. With additions of this new offensive style, and some new faces to the roster, the Miami Heat are this years favorite. LeBron James, if the Heat keep up this winning attitude, will finally hoist the Larry O’ Brien championship trophy that has been so elusive throughout his career.

My name is Jonathan. I am an aspiring Sports Writer and love the game of Basketball. Take some time, listen to what I have to say.