Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

As we’re nearing the end of the year and my birthday (December 31st), the Clippers gave us a belated Christmas present and an early birthday present (for me at least). This game, like most other Clipper victories, was considered a game that the Clippers should not have won.

For some reason, the Clippers seem to play up to the good opponents such as Denver and Boston, and they play down to all the opponents that they should have beat. Even the victories against the bad teams have been ugly and scrappy. Well if you watched this game, you could see a lot of heart and determination from the Clippers team.

Aside from bad games from Al Thornton and Eric Gordon, the entire Clipper team did well. Deandre Jordan got the start- a big upgrade from being a “fish out of water” any time he stepped on the court in the previous few games. Not only did he start, but he did well- he rebounded well, he played good defense on Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins, and even the more versatile Rasheed Wallace.

Baron Davis had a STRONG game, with 24 points and 13 assists on 7-11 shooting. Kaman also had a monster game with 27 points and 12 assists on 12-21 shooting.

The last few plays is where this game went crazy. Down by 3, Baron Davis drove into the lane. While everyone in the crowd, everyone watching at home, and yes even the Celtics team was scratching their heads wondering why he would take a 2 pointer when his team is down 3- they collapsed on him anyways. As they collapsed, Baron delivered a perfect pass to Butler for the 3 pointer in the corner (I’ve realized this is when Butler is a HUGE asset. As a relief shooter to kick out to, for corner 3′s and set shots. Butler has proven to be very clutch, hitting many big shots as a Clipper and we’re still in December). Butler tied the game 90-90 with his clutch 3 pointer, and in the next possession Baron bailed Rondo out with a foul with 1.5 seconds left in the game. Rondo missed both free throws- technically missing 3 of them in a row if you count his “practice shot” which made Dunleavy very angry.

There’s 1.5 seconds left on the clock. Baron told fans, his friends, his coaching staff, and his team that he wants the ball and that he WILL make the shot. The team obviously trusts Baron, as they gave him the ball as he ran away from the basket. He caught the ball, turned around, fading away in Rondo’s face- and bombed a shot right inside the 3 point line near the top of the key as the buzzer sounded to win the game.

Here’s an article from my friend Eric Pincus- an article I enjoyed reading. He’s a senior writer for hoopsworld and also does the Q & A for Clippers.com.

The Los Angeles Clippers upset the Boston Celtics Sunday night 92-90 with a buzzer-beater from Baron Davis. Here are some notes from the game . . .

- That’s the Baron Davis the Clippers thought they were signing two summers ago. After a terrible first year, the team has been very happy with Baron’s performance this year, even if it hasn’t kept LA in the West’s top eight.

- Coach Dunleavy praised Davis for his work all season, lighter, healthier and more efficient. He specifically pointed out his chemistry with Chris Kaman, running the pick and roll.

“Baron [Davis] is delivering the ball in a timely fashion. With Kaman down low we have so many options,” said Dunleavy. “They have really worked on their timing and ability to play together. Kaman is an assist waiting to happen, he is a threat. When they work together they create difficult for the other team.”

- Now if Dunleavy can only get Baron and Eric Gordon to develop a similar chemistry.

- DeAndre Jordan got his first start of the season, Dunleavy going big to try and match up to Boston’s trio of Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins and Rasheed Wallace. Although Jordan didn’t do a lot that necessarily stood out, Kaman praised him as a difference maker tonight. DJ finished with six points, eight boards and three blocks. He missed a couple of big free throws late but then so did Rajon Rondo with just 1.5 seconds left in the game.

Keep reading Eric’s article here!