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MEMPHIS, TN – APRIL 25: Los Angeles Clippers players, from second left, Chris Paul #3, Ronny Turiaf #21, Matt Barnes #22, and Blake Griffin #32 huddle up in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2013 NBA Playoffs
The LA Clippers are something of a dark horse this season. They are expected to make noise in the postseason, but winning the Championship is something which is generally considered to be beyond them this season. I’m a firm believer though, and here are 4 reasons why the LA Clippers can win the Championship this season-
1. Deceptive record
The LA Clippers finished with 56 wins this season, the same as their first round opponents – the Grizzlies. But the Clippers were without the services of Chris Paul. Their season record belies their potential. Paul missed 12 games this season, and the Clippers went 6-6 during his absence. The Clippers could have got to 60 wins this season, and they are much better then their record indicates.
2. Blake Griffin‘s versatility
I’ve always been puzzled by how few blocks Blake Griffin attempts. With his hustle and athleticism, he could easily average a couple of blocks per game. He is now averaging 1.7 blocks per game in the first three games of the Clippers in the playoffs. His season average was 0.6 this year. One reason cited for him averaging a low number of blocks in the regular season is that he avoids contact so as to not concede fouls, and saves his energy for the offensive end. The Clippers have DeAndre Jordan and Ryan Hollins to contest shots, and they need Griffin on the offensive end more. It is not worth expending energy and risking fouls when his technique is not where he wants it to be. But in the playoffs, all bets are off and the Clippers need Griffin to utilize his athleticism to challenge shots. And he’s been doing just that, along with knocking down fadeaway bank shots and mid-range jumpers. He has developed a lot of facets in his game which he did not break out in the regular season.
3. Physicality
In order to advance in the playoffs, you need to be able to play a physical game to ensure that the other team is in disarray with your hustling and tenacity. The Clippers-Grizzlies series is showing us how both teams are willing to get into the grit and grind mode. It is also bringing out a side of the Clippers which is often glossed over – that they are a hard-nosed team. Both Blake Griffin and Zach Randolph did not perform on the offensive end in game 1; Griffin had 10 and Randolph had 13. This was because both forwards were wrestling with each other throughout the match. Griffin is not the only physical player the Clippers have. DeAndre Jordan and Ryan Hollins are both athletic and possess the required tenacity to get in the faces of the opposing team’s forwards. Ronny Turiaf has the championship experience to hold down the fort on defense. And they have Mini LeBron – Eric Bledsoe – who is one of the most athletic little men in the league and can be quite a bother for the opposition. He troubled Conley to no end in the regular season and, in the postseason, he is referred to as the X-factor by the Grizzlies themselves. Not to forget Matt Barnes, one of the most aggressive defenders in the league. This Clippers team averaged 2.52 rebounds more than their opponents in the regular season and they are fully capable of clamping down on teams with their superior athleticism and tenacity.
4. The bench
Jamal Crawford has been the super-sub of the season for the Clippers
The tribe called bench has served the Clippers well this season. Of the entire Clipper roster, only Chris Paul and Blake Griffin have averaged more than 30 minutes per game. Clippers’ reserve Matt Barnes said- “This is the deepest team I have ever been involved with. We have got 13 guys that can play, and we played 12 against the Grizzlies. We just want to keep bringing that energy out on to the court. We have a lot of depth and our coach gives us a chance. Usually in the playoffs, the rotation tightens a little bit but he is still going with our normal rotation and we are able to be effective. We’ve got a very deep team and we play hard.”
When other teams have to rest their starters, the Clippers bring out their reserves and most of them are good enough to be starters in this league. Come playoff time, teams generally tighten rotations, but the Clippers are going with their bench in crucial stretches in the postseason and it is paying dividends. All led by their super sub, Jamal Crawford.
“The bench has been so productive for us all season. It’s a unique thing to have the depth that we have so why not use it? They deserve the right to be out there and they have been producing for us.”- said Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro.
This Clipper team is built to win. They have Chris Paul, who is playing out of his skin, and nothing less than a Championship will be seen as a successful season for this team. I, for one, think that they are capable of surprising the entire league and getting that trophy this year, barring injuries.
