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Clippers vs Jazz: Three things we learned from Game 1

By Keith Rivas

Apr 12, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and guard Chris Paul (3) react during a NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Kings 115-95. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and guard Chris Paul (3) react during a NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Kings 115-95. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) celebrates his game-winning shot with teammates forward Joe Ingles (2) and forward Gordon Hayward (20) in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Johnson’s buzzer-beater downed the Clippers 97-95. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) celebrates his game-winning shot with teammates forward Joe Ingles (2) and forward Gordon Hayward (20) in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Johnson’s buzzer-beater downed the Clippers 97-95. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Johnson is the new villain in town

Forget Damian Lillard or James Harden — the Clippers should have their full attention on stopping Joe Johnson. The veteran came through in the clutch, dropping Los Angeles with a last second buzzer beater.

It’s an edge that the Clippers clearly had trouble predicting. As a result, Johnson refused to be quiet with 21 points off of the bench.

By the time this series heads back to Utah, the Jazz could unleash Johnson in a way the Clippers don’t want to see. After Saturday night, it’s also obvious that Johnson hasn’t lost his comfort or touch with the ball in his hands.

Taking last second shots that matter just seems to be his thing.

Even if all of the Clippers players stay healthy in this series, losing that mental edge that they were supposed to have after a devastating opener will haunt them throughout.

And Joe Johnson has no problem being that guy this time around.

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