5 reasons why the Jazz can survive without Rudy Gobert

Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) drives to the basket between LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and guard Jamal Crawford (11) to score the winning basket with no time remaining in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. The final score was 97-95. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 5

Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) reacts at the end of the Clippers 97-95 loss to the Utah Jazz in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. The Jazz won on a buzz-beater by Joe Johnson. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Pressure on the Clippers

Coming into the series, many had picked the Los Angeles Clippers to roll over the Utah Jazz in the first round. The Clippers were red-hot coming into the playoffs, winning their last five games and it seemed like it could be their year.

Now, with a Game 1 loss the pressure is on them to an absurd degree. Blake Griffin is about to be a free agent and head coach Doc Rivers is on the hot seat. If the Clippers can’t get out of the first round to the Gobert-less Jazz, it could mean that this era of the Clippers is over.

Los Angeles typically hasn’t performed well in the playoffs either. Last season, after losing Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, they lost four straight to the Portland Trail Blazers and were bounced out.

Two years ago, the Clippers blew a 3-1 lead in the second round to a young Houston Rockets’ team. This group hasn’t had much success in the playoffs, especially with this much talent and coaching.

With all this pressure mounting, the Clippers have the ability to underwhelm and lose tight games in this series.

Home/NBA Playoffs