Five Keys To Clippers’ Success For The 2015-16 Season
By Daniel Knott
The Continued Development of Blake Griffin
Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Griffin has added new dimensions to his game every year since he came into the NBA.
When Griffin first arrived on the scene, he was a freak athlete who would fly over the competition.
When questions about his footwork and post game began to surface, he worked to develop a better interior game that included up-and-unders, and jump hooks.
When he was criticized about his ability only to score in the paint, he added a 15-18 footer that became a consistent go-to move in the post season.
Those improvements, coupled with a steadily rising free throw percentage, has turned Blake Griffin into one of the most difficult players to guard in the NBA.
But if Griffin wants to help lead the Clippers to the promised land he can’t rest on those previous accomplishments.
Blake will have to continue to develop as a leader if the Clippers are going to compete with the likes of the Golden State Warriors and the San Antonio Spurs.
The two most formidable opponents in the Western Conference have demonstrated that they have the mental fortitude to overcome obstacles. Blake has to grow in this area of mental toughness if the Clippers want a legitimate shot at the title.
During the game five loss, and subsequent collapse against the Rockets, it was apparent that the Clippers hit a mental wall. There was no one on the team who had ever been in that type of situation, and they lacked the know how to navigate unfamiliar waters.
Last season Blake experienced, by far, the most bitter taste of defeat. It’s what he’ll do with the experience that will affect the Clippers run for a Championship in 2015-16.
If Griffin can continue to improve in the questionable areas of his game, as he has demonstrated in the past, the Clippers are well on their way to being a favorite in the West.
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