Since my local cable essentially features just the Pistons via FSD, I don’t dedicate as many articles to my favorite team out west, the Los Angeles Clippers.
Ever since big man Blake Griffin went down with a quadriceps injury, the rest of the team has stepped up, winning 10 of 11 without him. What I’ve noticed is an increased amount of rhythm and defense without BG to lean on.
What I mean by this – everyone else is forced back into a bigger role, maybe where they always belonged. Chris Paul is a natural born leader, but the point guard in him perhaps fed Griffin or another option instead of deferring to himself. I’ve noticed Reggie Jackson and Paul seem unstoppable driving to the hole, and too often wait until the 4th quarter to showcase this ability.
Furthermore, it just made role players unable to pin the loss on someone else. Cole Aldrich and Austin Rivers, Paul Pierce, Lance Stephenson (yes, he’s a Clipper), etc. DeAndre Jordan & Josh Smith will assume more confidence anchoring the paint. And J.J. Redick has been lights out.
Look, it’s becoming the window for LAC to win a ring. I personally think they are the best team in the NBA, but no one is handing it to us.
Just ask Houston…