Report: Clippers to host Warriors on Christmas night
One of the NBA's most intense current rivalries will reportedly once again be featured on Christmas Day, as the Los Angeles Clippers are set to host the Golden State Warriors, according to Brad Turner of the L.A. Times.
The Clippers and Warriors have finished first and second, respectively, in the Pacific Division in each of the last two seasons, with the two teams having their share of run-ins during that time.
The Warriors hosted the Clippers on Christmas Day 2013 in a game that saw an altercation take place between Blake Griffin and Andrew Bogut, and the Clippers reportedly declined to share chapel service with the Warriors during a game earlier in the season. The teams then met in a heated seven-game series in the first round of the playoffs, with the Clippers prevailing.
Following a thrilling Game 7 to decide that series, an intense exchange reportedly occurred between the teams in the hallway at the Staples Center, with the police even being summoned to calm the situation.
Over the last two seasons alone, the Clippers and Warriors have met a total of 15 times between the regular season and playoffs, with Golden State holding a narrow 8-7 advantage. However, the Clippers have playoff bragging rights and two Pacific Division titles to their name.
The Christmas Day game would be one of four meetings between the division rivals during the 2014-15 season.