The Clippers did in Game 3 what the Jazz did back in Game 1: win despite losing their star big man. LA rallied from the loss of Blake Griffin in the second half to take Game 3, 111-106, in Salt Lake City. Chris Paul was outstanding for the Clips as he had 34 points – 13 coming in the fourth quarter – 7 rebounds, and 10 assists in the win.
Griffin is now confirmed to be out for the rest of the postseason because of a toe injury, which means CP3 must take on a lot more responsibility within the Clippers offense. But Paul has proven he can take his game to another level, especially without Griffin.
The Clippers went just 11-10 without Griffin this season, but 10 of those games were also without Chris Paul. When CP3 was around to be the focal point of the offense alongside DeAndre Jordan, they went an impressive 8-2.
It’s long been established that the Clippers can still produce efficient offenses without Griffin simply by running the Paul-Jordan pick-and-roll, which becomes more effective with floor spacers as opposed to Blake.
They Clippers have gone 39-21 over the last two years without Griffin because of that tactic. It should once again help them be more than competitive against the Jazz, who have not defended the pick-and-roll nearly as well without their star big man Rudy Gobert.
The Jazz will be absolutely kicking themselves after letting Game 3 slip through their fingertips. They allowed the Clippers to go on a 15-0 run in the final minutes to take control of the game – and the series.
They were unable to capitalize on Gordon Hayward’s career-high 40 points. George Hill also had 26 points and Joe Johnson added 15 off the bench for Utah. The Jazz have been able to score just fine against the Clippers defense this series. They have an offensive rating of 107, which is 7th out of 16 playoff teams.
The Jazz – and Johnson in particular – could be able to exploit that LA defense even more if Doc Rivers decides to play poor defenders Paul Pierce and Marreese Speights heavy minutes.
It’s the defense that’s been the problem for the Jazz, though. With the “Stifle Tower” Gobert not around protecting the paint, the Jazz have a defensive rating of 111.1, which is 12th in the playoffs. Derrick Favors is doing all he can to anchor the defense, but after three straight 30-plus minute games, his effectiveness may be on the wane.
But with their entire season basically on the line, look for the Jazz to play with a bit more of an edge and to give it all they’ve got to win Game 4 at home.
Writer’s Prediction
The Jazz (-3.5) prevent catastrophe as they square up the series by getting a home win over the Griffin-less Clippers.
