Los Angeles Clippers fighting for pride in game 3 - NBA Update
The 2nd round of playoffs is not turning into the favour of Los Angeles Clippers. After losing the 1st two games at the hands of a more composed, lethal and above all healthier San Antonio Spurs. Clips will
be defending their honour at the Staples Center.
Spurs, one of the leagues’ best defensive team on a 16 game winning streak has pushed the Clips to the ledge. Now Clippers are not merely competing for the survival, rather it is about their pride. They have to win a game for the
sake of respect.
But with an injured roster and off collared key players it seems like a far cry. Things are not working according the plan, the plan that was devised around Chris Paul. But CP3 alone couldn’t take down a team guarded by the burliest
defence. The results were evident and most disappointing, Chris knocked down 6 in the game 1 and 10 in the 2nd.
Truth is Chris needs the ball in the post to perform, his game revolve around the pick and roll scheme. But the problem is Spurs coach Gregg Popovich knows the same, he has dedicated his best defensive option on Paul that results
in increasing number of turnovers, and these eventually converts into a transition bucket for the Spurs.
The fact that CP3 is struggling on court with a sore groin and strained right hip, cannot be overlooked. But the other hard reality that he was just 7-for-22 in the last 2 games can also not be over ruled. He has his hands full
and is overwhelmed but Chris needs to take shots as he is the pivot. Tony Parker has been troubling him throughout compelling him to melt down but if the status-quo remains the same then Clips are out for good, their 1st appearance in the last 11
years will mean nothing.
Paul knew what these games mean to the team and Clips nation; there is no excuse good enough to justify the poor show.
“No excuses,”
Coming into the game 3 Clips will have to slow down the Spurs pace, their 3-point shooting has been a killer for them. Moreover Tim Duncan has to step up and redeem his ability of scoring 1-on-1.
They have to make their best players score and perform, that starts with Paul and Blake Griffin. Like CP3 Griffin is also playing through a lift hip strain. But such times call for greater sacrifices.
Blake concurred that.
We’re not going into these next two games thinking, ‘Let’s try to keep it close,’ ” Griffin said. “There’s no moral victories and moral losses here.”
The aforementioned player plus Caron Butler needs to make an impact. If they do then they will have a chance to sustain a complete team like Spurs.
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