NBA: Five Playoff Matches That We Should Root For In 2016-17

Feb 11, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) handles the ball in front of Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 13, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) defends against LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) during the fourth quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz won the game 114-108. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

Clippers vs Jazz

Coming into this season, not many people predicted the Jazz vs Clippers to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the playoffs. But these two teams have built an interesting relationship over the course of the season.

Utah’s 114-108 win against the Clippers on Monday showed us a glimpse of what to expect if these two teams meet in the playoffs.

In that heated match on Monday, we saw JJ Redick confronting Rudy Gobert after Gobert inadvertently elbowed Redick. Then there was Chris Paul shoving Gobert at the end of the game.

For the Clippers, this season is about proving that they’re not on the decline. Meanwhile, the Jazz are out to prove that they deserve a place among the elite.

The individual matchups also tell us a lot about this up-and-coming rivalry. While the veteran Chris Paul looks to cement his place among the best point guards of all time, Gordon Hayward is looking to establish himself as one of the best points guards in the game today.

DeAndre Jordan, who has been known as the best shot blocker in the past few years, is suddenly overshadowed by Gobert. These two players would love nothing more than to have the last laugh in the playoffs.