The premiere episode of "Clipped" throws viewers headfirst into the explosive world of the Los Angeles Clippers and their deeply flawed owner, Donald Sterling. We open with a glimpse of the scandal to come – a racist rant by Sterling, leaked online and sparking outrage. But before the world erupts, we rewind to 2013, where Doc Rivers, a revered coach, takes the helm of this perpetually underachieving team.
Doc's arrival at the Clippers is met with a mix of cautious optimism and nervous silence. He's determined to turn the franchise around, but the shadow of Donald Sterling looms large. Enter V, Sterling's enigmatic personal assistant. Her presence hints at a hidden agenda, and her close proximity to the owner raises eyebrows, especially for Shelly, Donald's wife.
Doc's plan involves acquiring free agent JJ Reddick, but a shocking revelation throws a wrench into the works. The team, under Donald's bizarre influence, objects to signing JJ because he's white. Doc, rightfully outraged, clashes with the owner, setting the stage for a tumultuous season.
Meanwhile, at the aptly named "White Party," the Clippers are paraded around like trophies. Doc observes the simmering tension between star players Blake and Chris, a conflict that could derail their championship dreams.
V, never one to shy away from attention, makes a scene at the party. Her motives are clear – she's using Donald for financial gain. Shelly, suspicious and threatened, tries to uncover the truth. As the episode progresses, their feud intensifies, culminating in Shelly discovering V's manipulative tactics and extravagant spending sprees fueled by Donald's money.
Doc, determined to shield his team from the toxicity, enforces a "boring" life philosophy, focusing solely on basketball. While the players slowly build chemistry, the drama off the court escalates. V continues to entangle Donald in her web of deceit, culminating in a flamboyant birthday celebration.
Just as a sense of unity emerges within the team, Donald disrupts their rhythm with an unwanted visit to the locker room. Thankfully, Doc intervenes, preventing further chaos.
Shelly, pushed to her breaking point by V's audacity, witnesses her flaunting Donald's wealth and finally reaches a turning point. Empowered by her friends, she decides to take legal action against V. This sets the stage for a fierce battle, with V, armed with potentially damaging information about Donald, poised to strike back.