Apr 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) and Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) go for a loose ball during the fourth quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
10. Offensive Boards
This is one of the areas that the San Antonio Spurs actually did well in. They cleaned up the glass on they’re own misses and limited the Clippers’ attempts at second chance points. It’s not easy to keep Jordan and Griffin off of the boards but if the Spurs have found a method to do it then they have to capitalize on that.
11. Fast Break Points
It’s no secret that this Lob City squad loves to get out and run in transition, and who could blame them when seemingly every fast break they get out on ends with a big slam from one of their incredibly athletic big men.
They scored nearly twice as many points on the fast break as the San Antonio Spurs did in Game 1. It’ll be tough for the Spurs to keep pace with the younger legs of the Clippers especially if this series gets lengthy.
12. Rim Protection
DeAndre Jordan led the league in blocked shots this past season, and Blake Griffin does alright for himself in that category as well. Even in his old age, Tim Duncan is a defensive gem down low and now has savvy-veteran know how to go with it.
As we saw in Game 1 of the series, with a total of 11 shots being sent back, we’re in store for a series where absolutely no buckets will come easy in the paint.
Next: Tony Parker