Clippers vs Jazz Game 7: Three things on the line Sunday afternoon

April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) speaks with Los Angeles Clippers guard JJ Redick (4) during a time out against the Utah Jazz in the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) speaks with Los Angeles Clippers guard JJ Redick (4) during a time out against the Utah Jazz in the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Closing Thoughts

In order to win and not stay home, the Clippers will have to defend home court. Failure to do that would only emphasize their external struggles, possibly putting internal ones to the surface.

The entire team will have to play lights out to get it done. One of the last things they want to happen is have a close game and see the ball in Joe Johnson’s hands.

They’ll have to limit his touches, but also crack down on him in crunch time. He’s already hurt them before in this series at Staples Center, they can’t afford to let it happen again.

For the winner of this series, the challenge of Golden State is far off and not yet in the picture. Focusing on the here and now means we’ll possibly see the best game of the series with it all on the line.

Next: Where Will Blake Griffin Play Next Season?

Winner take all basketball — there’s nothing like it.