Clippers Keys To Victory Vs. Lakers
- Updated: January 7, 2015
Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times
Tonight Los Angeles and it’s two basketball teams will face off in a hometown battle. The Lakers have a historic past, but the Clippers have been the city’s talk of the town of present. Let’s take a look into some of the keys to victory for the ClipShow!
Defense, Defense, Defense: The most crucial key for the Clippers to come out on top in this one will be their ability to hold and defend the wings of the Lakers. Keeping Kobe Bryant in check is a tough enough task but with him coming off a night off the floor in Portland you can bet Bryant will be well rested and ready to drop some points on the Clippers if they don’t throw the right defense at him. Bryant who is having a revived season after his multiple injuries over the last few seasons is averaging 23.6 points, 5.3 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game. However, Bryant is shooting the ball at a much greater rate than just about any player in the league which can be beneficial for the Lakers on nights where he gets good shots. That being said it will be unbelievably important for J.J. Redick and the Clipper defense to force Bryant into difficult shots. The Clippers have also struggled significantly to slow down opposing wings that don’t have nearly the scoring ability that Bryant and Nick Young do.
DeAndre Jordan: DeAndre Jordan will be critical in this game for the exact reason mentioned above, his ability to shape the floor on the defensive side. Averaging 2.34 blocks per game, Jordan has the ability to create some fear for opposing teams as they attempt to drive into the lane. The matchup between DeAndre Jordan and Jordan Hill will be a very intriguing matchup as it’s rare in this NBA to have two true big men squaring off against each other. Hill, who is averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds per game, could make life very difficult for the Clippers when the Clippers second unit steps on the floor as neither Spencer Hawes or Glen Davis have the ability to shut down a true big in the post.
Star Power: In previous years this aspect didn’t favor the Clippers as much as it does now, which is why the Clippers must take advantage. There are obvious matchup wins for the Clippers in this one and it starts with their two best players. Chris Paul will be matching up with Ronnie Price most likely which is an obvious mismatch for the Clippers and one they should undoubtedly take advantage of. Chris Paul needs to hold onto the ball more than usual and take some more shots which Doc Rivers absolutely approves of from his All-Star point guard. Blake Griffin will have to deal with Ed Davis in this game which can’t be overlooked. Davis has proven himself to be a far more fearful power forward than Carlos Boozer was in the same spot and Davis has shown that primarily on the defensive end. Averaging 1.2 blocks per game on defense to go with his 8.1 points and 7 rebounds per game on the offensive end, Davis’ length can give plenty of teams problems but it shouldn’t trouble Griffin. Offensively Griffin has been taking more shots away from the basket than he has in the past which should work to his benefit against a stellar paint protector like Davis. Defensively Griffin has improved this season at stopping shots in the low post and it really doesn’t hurt when he can call on DeAndre Jordan if he needs him for some help defense.
Wrapping it all up: If the Clippers can get all of these things to swing their way, I have no doubt they can increase their season series lead to 2-0. In the all competitive Pacific Division this game should be an exciting matchup, and the in-building rivalry won’t hurt the intensity of this one either. Best of luck to both teams but I would be shocked if this one went the way of the Purple and Gold. Go Clips Go!
Stay with us at Calisportsnews.com as we will keep you up-to-date on all things Los Angeles Clippers and the rest of the LA sports teams! All Cali, All the time!
Related Posts
About Connor Aylward
