EBC Sports International Los Angeles Bureau
Written By: Kenneth Cruz
Photos By: Jaina Pallasigui
“Clips gonna Clips” has been a saying adopted by the LA Clippers as they’ve lost a playoff series after leading for the 5th straight year. Once again, the Clippers finished their season underachieving as they lost in Game 7 to the Utah Jazz 104-91.
Chris Paul was dominant all series and entered Game 7 averaging 27.3 points and 10 assists per game. DeAndre Jordan was the Clippers’ top performer for the game by scoring 24 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. Jamal Crawford also had a decent game offensively by scoring 20 points off the bench. However, Los Angeles did not have much help from the rest of the team as defense seemed optional and their offense didn’t pick up until mid-3rd quarter. Redick struggled the most and finished the game with 3 points. The absence of Blake Griffin was certainly felt.
Gordon Hayward performed at an All-Star level to help his team close out the series away from home with 26 points and 8 rebounds. When asked how they were able to pull off the win Joe Ingles stated, “Defensively we were really good. We were solid throughout the series.” Ingles, who finished with 12 points, helped the Jazz maintain their double digit lead as the Clippers tried to muster a comeback in the 3rd quarter.
Los Angeles couldn’t put together consistent stops and allowed the Jazz to match them basket for basket. The future looks uncertain for “Lob City” as Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and J.J. Redick enter the offseason as free agents. Paul Pierce stated after the game that it was his last game as a Clipper and as a NBA player. The future Hall of Famer said there is nothing that would bring him back to play another season.
The Jazz move on the 2nd round to face the Golden State Warriors who have the best record in the league. Utah will have a couple hours to celebrate, but will need to begin preparing the 4-headed monster of Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
