The Clippers ended a six-year Playoff drought in 2012.
After missing the Playoffs for six years, the Los Angeles Clippers ended their drought in the 2011/12 season thanks to Chris Paul’s leadership. Of course, they had a sophomore, Blake Griffin, but he had limited postseason experience.
During the 2012 Playoffs, Coach Vinny Del Negro opted for a rotation of Griffin and DeAndre Jordan as the starters but also mixed in Kenyon Martin to play heavy minutes due to his experience in the postseason. Martin loved the opportunity because he wanted to set the tone for his younger teammates.
“What’s great making the second round of the Playoffs and beating Memphis and all that, Me, Reggie (Evans), Mo Williams, Swaggy P, No disrespect to Blake Griffin and DeAndre, but they were puppies at the time,” Martin said on Podcast P about how veterans shone for the Clippers. “Memphis at the time, Zach and them guys were dogs. You can’t bring no puppies to no dog fight.”