The LA Clippers once again ended their season on a disappointing note. Sad as it may seem, but the Clippers just never got the breaks that they needed
Before the 2017 playoffs started, I really thought that the LA Clippers had it in them to be this year’s dark-horse team.
During that time, it seemed possible as they were finally healthy entering the playoffs. They had no significant injuries. Yet, a week later, Austin Rivers injured his hamstring. Ok, tough break, but, at least, CP3, JJ Redick, DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin were all healthy, right?
In Game 1, when Jazz Center Rudy Gobert got injured, it seemed like the stars were finally aligning for the Clippers.
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Still, as expected, the 5th seeded Jazz battled in Game 1 and never gave up even without their rim-protector. Then, in crunch time, Iso Joe Johnson re-introduced himself to the world by hitting the game-winning floater and breaking the hearts of the Clippers faithful, 97-95.
In Game 2, the Clippers played better defense and won the game, 99-91. Though it wasn’t the statement game that they were looking for, but a win was still a win, right? Yes. Absolutely.
Unfortunately, it was following Game 3 in Salt Lake City when bad luck truly hit the Clippers hard once again. Blake Griffin injured his toe and was declared out for the remainder of the playoffs.
Even though the Clippers battled hard and came out victorious, 111-106, they knew that their playoff run took a big hit with Blake Griffin’s injury.
In Game 4, Joe Johnson saved Utah once again and scored 28 big points to lead the Jazz to a 105-98 victory. More importantly, Rudy Gobert was back and spelled more trouble for the depleted Clippers.
In Game 5, Austin Rivers came back from his hamstring injury but scored only two points. It was Redick and Paul who carried the Clippers by combining for 54 points. Yet, it was not enough, as Gordon Hayward’s 27 points and Rudy Gobert’s double-double (11 points and 11 rebounds) propelled the Jazz to a 96-92 win and 3-2 series lead.
Game 7 was exactly where the Clippers wanted it to be, on their home floor
Just like that, the LA Clippers were once again on the brink of elimination. Still, this team showed a lot of pride in Game 6. They went to Utah and silenced the crowd by pulling off a very tough victory, 98-93 and sent the series back to LA for a deciding Game 7. Chris Paul led the way with 29 points and eight dimes.
Game 7 was exactly where the Clippers wanted it to be, on their home floor. After a big win in Game 6, momentum was on their side. All they had to do was to take care of business and close out the series. Yet, it wasn’t how it turned out.
The Utah Jazz were the ones who came out strong, especially during the 3rd quarter, when they outscored the Clippers, 33-24. This quarter gave the Jazz the significant lead that they needed to close out the series. The Clippers made one final push, but failed to overcome the lead.
What was more disappointing for the Clippers was that Rudy Gobert was essentially a non-factor for the whole game, as he got into early foul trouble. The Clippers took advantage of it by utilizing DeAndre Jordan, who had a big game (24 points and 17 rebounds). Still, how did the Jazz continue to dominate?
Simple.
JJ Redick was scoreless for the first three quarters. He only had three points for the whole game. Chris Paul also failed to show up. He only scored 13 points on 6 of 19 shooting, even if he did dish out nine assists. Still, these were’t the performances that they needed from their starting backcourt.
More importantly, there were six Jazz players, led by Gordon Hayward, who scored in double-digits, which showcased Utah’s balanced offensive attack.
Thus, it wasn’t surprising that at the end of it all, the Utah Jazz ended up defeating the LA Clippers, 104-91.
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With the loss, the Clippers once again ended their season on a very disappointing note.
Is this the end of the road for this era’s Clippers?