I wasn't sure what to expect from the game against the Los Angeles Clippers. With Blake Griffin out because of a broken hand (Google it for more info), I didn't expect him to be out at the shootaround much less in the arena. I either hadn't been to a game in a while or just had a massive brain fart, but I couldn't remember the optimal time for game arrival. I ended up arriving at 6:15 or so, for a 7:00 door opening. Surprisingly, there weren't that many people there (just the graphers and a few first-timers), but upon closer inspection of the graphers, most of them looked like they were kids headed for the Thunder side. Really? I saw this at the Warriors game too. Unless it's your first (or first few times), why wouldn't you graph the opposing team? It was rows deep on the Thunder side once I got settled, and if I had to guess, it was probably to welcome old-new Thunder player Nazr Mohammed. Once inside, the players came off in rapid-fire succession and absolutely signed up a storm. The first couple of players were in and out in ten minutes (7:10pm) -- Jamal Crawford and Chris Paul. I sort of felt sorry, if only for a little bit, for the people who arrived late due to circumstances beyond their control and missed Chris Paul. The first guy to sign was Crawford and some guys behind me got skipped early on but when one of them yelled out that it was his buddy's birthday, Crawford stopped and came back. I don't know if it really was his birthday or if this strategy would fly with a bigger-name star, but it might be something to file away in my back pocket. I had a prime spot this time, same as at the Magic game. Getting videos is harder because the camera is much more obvious than when you're standing up high on the opposite section, so I've taken to setting it down on the surface directly in front of the guard rail. It provides a decent view if the player is on the opposite side, but once he gets to your side you get basically, well, a crotch video. No bueno. But at least you're less likely to get skipped, right? During this entire experience, I don't think we saw any players come out from the tunnel; rather, we just saw them magically appear on the court. Yes, I do realize there are multiple entrances, but it seemed like all the players did that tonight. At least they knew which tunnel to go down in order to get back to the locker room? DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Johnson, and Jeff Green came out at different times and signed, in that order. They were all really nice about it, even Green, who blew everyone off at the Grizzlies game back in January. Sam Cassell, who is known for being a strict 1per, signed for a few people up front on the opposite side before walking away. Someone from my side of the stands called out to him, and he stopped for a second to look back, but ultimately kept on walking. Boo! The biggest surprise of the night, was when Austin Rivers skipped me. He signed tickets (pieces of paper tickets) and programs for the other people directly around me but wouldn't sign my photo. I've never had that kind of experience before. Usually there is no comment or expression, just a quick move down the line passing me, e.g. Derrick Rose or Jimmy Butler. Austin looked at it, kind of pointed at it, and said he wouldn't sign it. I don't know what it was about it that he didn't like. It was a New Orleans Pelicans photo, similar to the other items you've seen me get signed. It wasn't like it was a shot of him getting scored on. As tempting as it is to bad mouth him for not signing, I realize people do have their off days, and this could be one of them. I'll try him again next time but I may bring something else just in case. Cassell 0/1 Crawford 1/1 Green 1/1 Johnson 1/1 Jordan 1/1 Paul 1/1 Rivers 0/1 Overall, this was surprisingly a good signing team. Save Rivers, who would have signed had I presented something else, everyone who came out signed. I don't get much of a break as the next game is Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Such is the life of a grapher! I'd like to get Rubio but I'd settle for back-to-back Slam Dunk champ Zach LaVine. Until next time, J.R.
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