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Chris Paul, Clippers Look To Sweep Hornets In Series Finale

By Garrett Chorpenning

Dec 2, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) argues a foul call during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Clippers defeat the Pelicans 114-96. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) argues a foul call during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Clippers defeat the Pelicans 114-96. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Following a loss to the San Antonio Spurs in his first game back, Chris Paul will look to guide the Clippers to their first win since his return, as well as a season sweep of the Charlotte Hornets.

There’s no denying that Chris Paul didn’t look quite like himself on Friday night. In a losing effort, he went for 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists on 6/14 shooting. While these numbers aren’t bad, it’s worth noting that CP also recorded 4 turnovers. It’s not a startling amount, but enough that it’s uncharacteristic for him.

DeAndre Jordan also wasn’t at his best in that game, scoring 14 points and securing just 8 rebounds. It’s safe for anyone to say that he typically plays better when Paul is really controlling the game. Chris Paul’s game impacts the court in more ways than one, another way he proves his elite status.

The Clippers will need CP to play his best Sunday night, when they take on a feisty Hornets group. LA took them down in Charlotte earlier this month, 107-102. Blake Griffin had a near triple-double effort in that one, going for 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists. Here are some things to look for this time around.

The Injury Bug Has Come And Gone

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Brice Johnson (North Carolina) walks off stage after being selected as the number twenty-five overall pick to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Brice Johnson (North Carolina) walks off stage after being selected as the number twenty-five overall pick to the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Here’s a surprise – for the first time all season, the Clippers’ injury report is free of players (with the exception of Diamond Stone, who likely wouldn’t play anyway). Yes, that’s right. CP, DJ, and Griffin will all share the floor again, and we can get a few more glimpses of this year’s first round selection, Brice Johnson. All the injuries really occurred at the perfect time. Chris Paul can now retain his rights as the floor general and get the team to prime position before the playoffs begin in April.

Related Story: Brice Johnson Makes NBA Debut

Austin Rivers Can’t Stop Heating Up

https://twitter.com/PrimeHoops/status/835010577328144384

Who knew, right? He is just the coach’s kid after all.

Wrong.

Austin Rivers has been as dominant now as ever, and no one can stop him. Not even Kevin Durant, as he proved when he went for 19 points against Golden State last Thursday.

He’s had the hot hand lately, averaging 17.6 points per game over the last 5. It’s come at a needed time too, as J.J. Redick hasn’t been himself lately. He’s averaged a mere 10.2 points over the last 5. Clearly, he is another player who benefits very much from Chris Paul’s game. Look for him to start heating up again in the near future.

The Verdict

The more time we have Chris Paul back, the better the Clippers are going to get. Another rough game could spell danger, but the play of Austin Rivers and Blake Griffin should be enough help to get the Clippers back on track with a victory.

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