Clippers vs Jazz: Three things we learned from Game 1

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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April 10, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers watches game action against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 10, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers watches game action against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Closing Thoughts

Lastly, the loss was not a great look for head coach Doc Rivers either. The seasoned coach is still looking to hit the jack pot in Los Angeles after winning a title with Boston.

Should the Clippers lose this series, for whatever reason, the blame for the bad playoff performances will only have Rivers to blame. Whether he wants to accept that responsibility or not is yet to be seen, but that’s the reality of it all.

This is especially true if he has all of the star power fully healthy at all times. Against the Jazz, it’s clear that this will be about as even of a first round match up as they come.

What this means is that Los Angeles needs to learn to take victories in the small things and run with it. Forget trying to go big right out of the gate — they’re just trying to survive.

It’s bad enough to be in an 0-1 hole after fighting hard for home court advantage in the first round.

Next: The Project Of D'Angelo Russell

Game 2 of the series will be on Tuesday at Staples Center.