As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
LA Clippers Trivia Quiz: 20 Questions to Test Your Fandom
From their origins as the Buffalo Braves to the high-flying "Lob City" era and the modern-day pursuit of a championship at the Intuit Dome, the LA Clippers have one of the most fascinating trajectories in NBA history. As a sports historian, I’ve watched this franchise evolve from a perennial underdog into a perennial powerhouse. Think you know everything about Clipper Nation? Let’s put that knowledge to the test.
GEAR UP FOR THE GAME
Represent your team! Check out the latest LA Clippers jerseys and gear on Amazon here.
Shop Clippers Gear on Amazon1. In what city did the franchise originate in 1970 before moving to San Diego?
Answer: B) Buffalo
The Story Behind the Stat: The franchise began as the Buffalo Braves in 1970 as one of three expansion teams. They played at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium for eight seasons before relocating to San Diego. During their time in Buffalo, they were a legitimate contender led by the scoring prowess of Bob McAdoo.
The Story Behind the Stat: The franchise began as the Buffalo Braves in 1970 as one of three expansion teams. They played at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium for eight seasons before relocating to San Diego. During their time in Buffalo, they were a legitimate contender led by the scoring prowess of Bob McAdoo.
2. Which legendary center won the NBA MVP award while playing for the Buffalo Braves in 1975?
Answer: B) Bob McAdoo
The Story Behind the Stat: Bob McAdoo is the only player in franchise history to win the NBA MVP award while with the team. In the 1974-75 season, he averaged a staggering 34.5 points and 14.1 rebounds per game. He remains one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the league.
The Story Behind the Stat: Bob McAdoo is the only player in franchise history to win the NBA MVP award while with the team. In the 1974-75 season, he averaged a staggering 34.5 points and 14.1 rebounds per game. He remains one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the league.
3. What was the primary reason the team was renamed the "Clippers" when they moved to San Diego in 1978?
Answer: B) After the famous sailing ships seen in San Diego Bay
The Story Behind the Stat: When the Braves moved to San Diego in 1978, the team wanted a name that reflected the local culture. San Diego was known for its beautiful harbor and the "Clipper" ships that frequented the area. The name stuck even after the team moved to Los Angeles in 1984.
The Story Behind the Stat: When the Braves moved to San Diego in 1978, the team wanted a name that reflected the local culture. San Diego was known for its beautiful harbor and the "Clipper" ships that frequented the area. The name stuck even after the team moved to Los Angeles in 1984.
4. Who is the Clippers' all-time leading scorer in franchise history?
Answer: C) Randy Smith
The Story Behind the Stat: While modern fans think of Blake Griffin or Chris Paul, Randy Smith remains the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 12,735 points. Smith was an ironman of the NBA, once holding the record for most consecutive games played. He was a two-time All-Star during the Buffalo and San Diego eras.
The Story Behind the Stat: While modern fans think of Blake Griffin or Chris Paul, Randy Smith remains the franchise's all-time leading scorer with 12,735 points. Smith was an ironman of the NBA, once holding the record for most consecutive games played. He was a two-time All-Star during the Buffalo and San Diego eras.
5. In 2011, the Clippers acquired Chris Paul in a blockbuster trade. Which team was he originally supposed to be traded to before the league vetoed the deal?
Answer: A) Los Angeles Lakers
The Story Behind the Stat: In one of the most controversial moments in NBA history, Commissioner David Stern vetoed a trade that would have sent Chris Paul to the Lakers. Shortly after, the Clippers swooped in with a package centered around Eric Gordon and a future first-round pick. This move birthed the "Lob City" era.
The Story Behind the Stat: In one of the most controversial moments in NBA history, Commissioner David Stern vetoed a trade that would have sent Chris Paul to the Lakers. Shortly after, the Clippers swooped in with a package centered around Eric Gordon and a future first-round pick. This move birthed the "Lob City" era.
6. Which player holds the franchise record for the most rebounds in a Clippers uniform?
Answer: A) DeAndre Jordan
The Story Behind the Stat: DeAndre Jordan is the franchise leader in rebounds, total games played, and field goal percentage. Known for his defensive presence and rim-running, Jordan was the defensive anchor of the Clippers for a decade. He is the only player in team history to record over 7,000 rebounds.
The Story Behind the Stat: DeAndre Jordan is the franchise leader in rebounds, total games played, and field goal percentage. Known for his defensive presence and rim-running, Jordan was the defensive anchor of the Clippers for a decade. He is the only player in team history to record over 7,000 rebounds.
7. Who was the first Clippers player to ever win the NBA Slam Dunk Contest?
Answer: C) Brent Barry
The Story Behind the Stat: Brent Barry won the Slam Dunk Contest in 1996, famously dunking from the free-throw line while wearing his warm-up jacket. He was the first white player to win the competition. Blake Griffin would later win it in 2011, but Barry was the franchise's first champion in the event.
The Story Behind the Stat: Brent Barry won the Slam Dunk Contest in 1996, famously dunking from the free-throw line while wearing his warm-up jacket. He was the first white player to win the competition. Blake Griffin would later win it in 2011, but Barry was the franchise's first champion in the event.
8. In 2021, the Clippers reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history. Who did they defeat in the Semifinals to get there?
Answer: B) Utah Jazz
The Story Behind the Stat: The Clippers overcame a 2-0 deficit against the top-seeded Utah Jazz to win the series 4-2. Terance Mann scored a career-high 39 points in the clinching Game 6. This victory finally broke the "second-round curse" that had haunted the franchise for decades.
The Story Behind the Stat: The Clippers overcame a 2-0 deficit against the top-seeded Utah Jazz to win the series 4-2. Terance Mann scored a career-high 39 points in the clinching Game 6. This victory finally broke the "second-round curse" that had haunted the franchise for decades.
9. Which coach has the most regular-season wins in Clippers franchise history?
Answer: C) Doc Rivers
The Story Behind the Stat: Doc Rivers coached the Clippers from 2013 to 2020, amassing 356 regular-season wins. Under his leadership, the team never had a losing season and became a perennial playoff fixture. Despite the regular-season success, he was unable to lead the team past the second round of the playoffs.
The Story Behind the Stat: Doc Rivers coached the Clippers from 2013 to 2020, amassing 356 regular-season wins. Under his leadership, the team never had a losing season and became a perennial playoff fixture. Despite the regular-season success, he was unable to lead the team past the second round of the playoffs.
10. Before moving to the Intuit Dome, the Clippers shared an arena with the Lakers. What was the original name of that arena when it opened in 1999?
Answer: B) Staples Center
The Story Behind the Stat: The Clippers moved into the Staples Center in 1999 after years at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. While it provided a modern home, the Clippers were often viewed as the "second tenant" behind the Lakers. The move to the Intuit Dome in 2024 marks the first time they will have their own dedicated arena in LA.
The Story Behind the Stat: The Clippers moved into the Staples Center in 1999 after years at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. While it provided a modern home, the Clippers were often viewed as the "second tenant" behind the Lakers. The move to the Intuit Dome in 2024 marks the first time they will have their own dedicated arena in LA.
11. Which Clippers player won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award three times during his tenure with the team?
Answer: B) Lou Williams
The Story Behind the Stat: "Sweet Lou" Williams won two of his three Sixth Man of the Year awards while playing for the Clippers (2018, 2019). He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer off the bench. His scoring outbursts in the fourth quarter made him a fan favorite during the "Post-Lob City" transition era.
The Story Behind the Stat: "Sweet Lou" Williams won two of his three Sixth Man of the Year awards while playing for the Clippers (2018, 2019). He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer off the bench. His scoring outbursts in the fourth quarter made him a fan favorite during the "Post-Lob City" transition era.
12. What jersey number did Blake Griffin wear during his iconic tenure in Los Angeles?
Answer: A) 32
The Story Behind the Stat: Blake Griffin wore #32 and became the face of the franchise after being drafted #1 overall in 2009. His combination of power and athleticism revitalized the fan base. The Clippers have discussed retiring his jersey in the future to honor his impact on the organization.
The Story Behind the Stat: Blake Griffin wore #32 and became the face of the franchise after being drafted #1 overall in 2009. His combination of power and athleticism revitalized the fan base. The Clippers have discussed retiring his jersey in the future to honor his impact on the organization.
13. Who was the Clippers' first-ever selection in the 1970 NBA Expansion Draft?
Answer: D) Bailey Howell
The Story Behind the Stat: The Buffalo Braves selected Hall of Famer Bailey Howell with their first pick in the 1970 Expansion Draft. Howell was a veteran star who had already won championships with the Celtics. However, he only played one season for the Braves before retiring.
The Story Behind the Stat: The Buffalo Braves selected Hall of Famer Bailey Howell with their first pick in the 1970 Expansion Draft. Howell was a veteran star who had already won championships with the Celtics. However, he only played one season for the Braves before retiring.
14. In the 2019 offseason, the Clippers signed Kawhi Leonard as a free agent. Which player did they trade a record number of draft picks for to pair with him?
Answer: B) Paul George
The Story Behind the Stat: To secure Kawhi Leonard's commitment in 2019, the Clippers executed a massive trade with the OKC Thunder for Paul George. They sent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and five first-round picks to Oklahoma City. This move immediately vaulted the Clippers into championship contention.
The Story Behind the Stat: To secure Kawhi Leonard's commitment in 2019, the Clippers executed a massive trade with the OKC Thunder for Paul George. They sent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and five first-round picks to Oklahoma City. This move immediately vaulted the Clippers into championship contention.
15. Which former Clippers player was known by the nickname "The Caveman"?
Answer: A) Chris Kaman
The Story Behind the Stat: Chris Kaman was affectionately nicknamed "The Caveman" due to his rugged look and long blonde hair. He spent eight seasons with the Clippers and was named an All-Star in 2010. Kaman was one of the few bright spots for the team during the mid-2000s.
The Story Behind the Stat: Chris Kaman was affectionately nicknamed "The Caveman" due to his rugged look and long blonde hair. He spent eight seasons with the Clippers and was named an All-Star in 2010. Kaman was one of the few bright spots for the team during the mid-2000s.
16. Who holds the franchise record for the most assists in a single game (25)?
Answer: B) Ernie DiGregorio
The Story Behind the Stat: "Ernie D" set the franchise record with 25 assists in a single game during his rookie season in 1974. He won the Rookie of the Year award that same year. Despite his incredible vision, injuries unfortunately cut his promising career short.
The Story Behind the Stat: "Ernie D" set the franchise record with 25 assists in a single game during his rookie season in 1974. He won the Rookie of the Year award that same year. Despite his incredible vision, injuries unfortunately cut his promising career short.
17. What year did Steve Ballmer officially purchase the LA Clippers?
Answer: B) 2014
The Story Behind the Stat: Steve Ballmer purchased the team for a then-record $2 billion in 2014. His arrival signaled a massive shift in the team's culture and financial investment. Ballmer is widely considered one of the most energetic and dedicated owners in professional sports.
The Story Behind the Stat: Steve Ballmer purchased the team for a then-record $2 billion in 2014. His arrival signaled a massive shift in the team's culture and financial investment. Ballmer is widely considered one of the most energetic and dedicated owners in professional sports.
18. Which Clippers rookie won the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2011 after missing his entire true rookie season due to injury?
Answer: B) Blake Griffin
The Story Behind the Stat: After missing the 2009-10 season with a knee injury, Griffin debuted in 2010-11 and took the league by storm. He averaged 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds, becoming the first rookie since Arvydas Sabonis to be an All-Star. He won the Rookie of the Year award in a unanimous vote.
The Story Behind the Stat: After missing the 2009-10 season with a knee injury, Griffin debuted in 2010-11 and took the league by storm. He averaged 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds, becoming the first rookie since Arvydas Sabonis to be an All-Star. He won the Rookie of the Year award in a unanimous vote.
19. Against which team did the Clippers complete a historic 31-point comeback in the 2019 NBA Playoffs?
Answer: A) Golden State Warriors
The Story Behind the Stat: In Game 2 of the 2019 first round, the Clippers trailed the powerhouse Warriors by 31 points in the third quarter. Led by Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell, they staged the largest comeback in NBA playoff history to win 135-131. It remains one of the gutsiest performances in franchise history.
The Story Behind the Stat: In Game 2 of the 2019 first round, the Clippers trailed the powerhouse Warriors by 31 points in the third quarter. Led by Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell, they staged the largest comeback in NBA playoff history to win 135-131. It remains one of the gutsiest performances in franchise history.
20. What is the name of the Clippers' mascot?
Answer: B) Chuck the Condor
The Story Behind the Stat: Chuck the Condor was introduced in 2016 as the team's official mascot. His look is inspired by the California Condor, a bird native to the region. While his debut was met with mixed reviews, he has become a staple of the game-day experience at Clippers home games.
The Story Behind the Stat: Chuck the Condor was introduced in 2016 as the team's official mascot. His look is inspired by the California Condor, a bird native to the region. While his debut was met with mixed reviews, he has become a staple of the game-day experience at Clippers home games.
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment