NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 keys to Clippers vs. Jazz matchup
By Connor Learn
4. Will Blake Griffin be neutralized?
There are very few players that can do what Blake Griffin does on the court. Few players his size possess the same athleticism; even fewer pair it with the amount of skill that he has. At his best, Griffin is a point forward that fills the stat sheet and makes explosive plays that change the momentum of a game. He carried the Clippers down the stretch during the 2015-16 season and kept them afloat during Chris Paul’s absence this year.
Griffin has had his struggles against the Jazz. He is most efficient and successful when attacking the rim; Utah makes that a difficult task for opponents. During Griffin’s four games against Utah this season, he has averaged only 16.8 points. That point total is well short of his season average of 21.6 points. The pace that Utah plays at effects his production against them, but Rudy Gobert’s presence also plays a major factor at preventing Griffin from getting good looks.
When Griffin isn’t using his athletic gifts to get to the rim, his biggest advantage on the court is offset. He settles into mid-range and 3-point looks, which is best case scenario when playing someone as talented as him. Griffin has to challenge Gobert in the paint this series and succeed for the Clippers to win. It’s a tall task, but a necessary one for them to come out victorious.
