NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 things we learned from the Jazz beating the Clippers

Apr 30, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center Marreese Speights (5) defends a shot by Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) in the second half of game seven of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

4. We’re not done hearing from Joe Johnson

Joe Johnson has quietly built a Hall-of-Fame case over his career. The seven-time All-Star has quietly been a consistent scoring machine, and has surpassed 20,000 career points. Only immortal 1950’s center Larry Foust has achieved seven or more All-Stars and not made the Hall of Fame. Johnson will move into 40th place on the all-time scoring list during this next series, at that point each eligible player ahead of him on the list will be in the Hall of Fame.

The argument against Johnson’s Hall of Fame case is also strong. He has only one All-NBA selection (Third Team, 2010) and only advanced past into the Conference Finals as the fourth best player on the immortal 2004-2005 Suns team. Johnson led mostly mediocre teams and developed a reputation for being an overpaid player. The Nets cut him last season and the Heat claimed him, and his impact was limited. The 35-year-old signed with Utah last summer with an unclear role with his new team.

Johnson averaged career low minutes this season and posted his lowest scoring average since his rookie season. Though he was still effective given his opportunities, it was easy to see his days as a relevant player were coming to an end. Then the playoffs came and Johnson was one of the biggest factors in the Jazz pulling off their upset. He averaged 15.7 points per game in the series and had big moments. Johnson scored 21, including the game-winner, during Game 1 and scored 28 during a Game 4 win. There is still good basketball left in Joe Johnson.

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