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After a rough series on and off the court in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Clippers were excited to move on to round 2. Clippers fans were excited as well, causing Clippers playoff tickets to be the most expensive in the Western Conference on the secondary market, according to TiqIQ. After a Game 1 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, prices for Clippers tickets had gone up, but have fallen after a game 2 loss.
The Clippers will head back to the Staples Center tied 1-1 in the series against the Thunder. The average price for LA home games is currently $335.71, down 5.05% from the price before the start of game 2 in Oklahoma City. The round 1 price at the Staples Center was $252.82, marking a 32.79% round-to-round premium during the second round. The average price against Golden State was also 36.2% more expensive than the Clippers opening round average against the Memphis Grizzlies last season that had an average price of just $185.51. Even with just a one-game difference in their regular season record between 2013 and 2014, Clippers fans seem to be more optimistic about their chances this time around. Further development from Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, and a coaching change from Vinny Del Negro to Doc Rivers certainly aids that idea.
In addition to average ticket price dropping, the cheapest secondary market price has also fallen since the end of Game 2. The cheapest available ticket on the secondary market is $68, which is still 24.53% above the cheapest listed face value price of $53.
With the loss and price drop, the Clippers are now behind the Thunder and San Antonio Spurs in average price in the second round. Game 2’s Thunder win has fared well for the team’s secondary market ticket prices in Oklahoma City. Average ticket price has gone up 21.93% since game 2 as Thunder playoff tickets at the Chesapeake Energy Arena are now listed at $348.74. The series will travel back to Oklahoma City for game 5 and, if necessary, game 7 next Sunday. Spurs playoff tickets have seen a significant increase, especially over their first round average. San Antonio had the lowest Western Conference average price in round 1 and now hold the most expensive average price in round 2.
On the court, the series between the Clippers and Thunder has seen two lopsided games, one in favor of each team. Point guard Chris Paul has been nothing short of spectacular, though his offensive presence has been the only highlight for the Clippers this far. Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan have failed to produce the numbers that are expected of them, while the Thunder have gotten significant mileage from role players like Thabo Sefolosha. The series will head to Los Angeles Friday night for game 3 and Sunday for Game 4. Game 6 will also be held in Los Angeles if necessary.
With the series tied after two games, this is already one of the most successful playoff runs in the Clippers’ franchise history. The franchise has only advanced to the quarterfinals five teams, never winning the series. As a result, the Clippers have never appeared in the Conference or NBA Finals.
After two blowout games in this series, it’s yet to be determined who is the more dominant team. As Clippers ticket prices fall, fans will be encouraged to flock to the Staples Center and provide the edge their team needs to take the series lead. With how unpredictable the NBA Playoffs have been so far, another seven game series wouldn’t surprise anyone.
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