The Los Angeles Clippers come into the 2015 playoffs playing extremely well. Winners of 14 out of their last 15 regular season games, the Clips finished the season trending in the right direction.
Some concerns are still present.
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AlthoughChris PaulandBlake Griffinwill surely be reliable, the list after that gets thin.
Depth looks to be a major concern in this series as it has been all season. Matching up with the reigning champ Spurs, it will be crucial thatDoc Riversfind some sort of production off the bench not namedJamal Crawford.As I’ve stated previously, Crawford shouldn’t be relied on for big minutes due to his lackluster defensive play (unless he’s on fire of course), L.A. simply can’t afford to risk giving up space toDanny GreenorMarco Belinelli.
WhileSpencer HawesandGlen Davisare useful offensive tools, having both on the floor together has not boded well forDoc Rivers‘ defense. WithTim Duncanon the block for San Antonio, defensive big-men will be a must. Unfortunately for L.A., their best chance at stopping Duncan isDeAndre Jordan. He shoots 40 percent from the free-throw line and won’t always be on the floor down the stretch. WhileBlake Griffinis a good defender, he isn’t the defensive force that Jordan is. Duncan could be a major thorn in the Clippers’ side throughout this series.
Betsided
Besides the potential match-up issues down low, San Antonio’s motion offense will likely be a bigger concern for the Clippers’ defense, which finished the regular season ranked 15th in defensive efficiency. San Antonio’s ability to move the ball quickly and shoot with proficiency will undoubtedly put this L.A. defense to the test. I would expect more than a few high-scoring affairs in this series, as the Clippers will have to put points on the board at a high rate if they want to keep pace.
Another concern for the Clippers: San Antonio’s individual defensive talent.Kawhi LeonardandDanny Greenwill likely be bearing down onChris PaulandJ.J. Redickall series long. While Paul will surely still produce, Redick might have a short self-life in some games, as he will be constantly fighting to get open off of the ball. One idea: compliment Redick withJamal Crawfordrather thanMatt Barnessome in the first half to keep the scoring punch where it needs to be. This could present a defensive nightmare, as neither Redick or Crawford can contain Leonard, but the offense might be worth it for a few choice stretches.
Enough with the negatives. The Clippers have a good chance in this series, despite all of the problems I’ve stated.
It all starts with the transition game. San Antonio is very much a half-court team. AlthoughDanny Greenis one of the league’s premier transition defenders, I doubt he can stop the fast-breaks of Paul and Griffin/Jordan. The Clippers will need to establish a fast pace early on in each game of this series if they’re to have a chance. A strong transition game and pace can mask San Antonio’s defense by simply being faster, and could allowMatt Barnesto be on the floor more to defend Leonard.
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Another strong point: three-point shooting. Despite the fact that San Antonio is also an excellent three-point shooting team, it may help L.A. to be hitting from long-range more than it will the Spurs. If the three-pointers are sinking, less emphasis will be placed on Griffin’s post-game and Jordan’s athletic finishing ability, which could allow for a Stan Van Gundy-style of offense in which the bigs can kick out to open shooters should the defense collapse on them.
While the Spurs’ defense is likely good enough to prevent L.A. from catching fire too often, there’s really just no defense for lights-out three-point shooting. Look for the Clippers to rely on the long-ranged bomb on several occasions this series.
There you have it: the good, the bad, and everything in between for this first-round playoff series.
The Clippers have got to like their chances to advance. Home-court advantage and a red-hot finish to the regular season might have this squad playing in the second round.
Next: L.A. Clippers Ready For Spurs
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