Clippers vs Blazers Playoff Preview: Round 1

Shutting Down The Guards

Talk about a backcourt battle. Chris Paul and JJ Redick for the Los Angeles Clippers will take on Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum in what is sure to be an entertaining contest outside the painted areas.

Lillard is a pure shooter. Not quite as prolific as the Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry, but Dame can get it done. The point guard has averaged a career-high 25.1 points per game this season while shooting 38% from three-point range and 42% from the floor. In his first year as the team’s true leader after the departure of LaMarcus Aldridge to San Antonio last offseason, this fourth year man from Weber State continues to improve.

McCollum, a small school product himself coming out of Lehigh in 2013, is a strong candidate for most improved player of the year. The 6’4″ two guard has come into his own in his third year in the league, taking his ppg average from a paltry 6.8 last season to a blistering 20.8 this year. Shooting 42% from three and 45% from the field, this guy could create some serious problems for the Clipper defense.

In short, Paul and Redick will not be able to take nights off on the defensive side of the floor as these two will keep them plenty busy.