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Preview: LA Clippers need to slow the rolling Houston Rockets

By Leonard Saldana

Dec 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Clippers guard Raymond Felton (2) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball as Los Angeles Clippers guard Raymond Felton (2) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Rockets have been on a roll. It’s not just recently, but all season after a very disappointing and dysfunctional previous year. The Rockets, not the Clippers, are holding the third seed, so seeing how the game unfolds can shift momentum in this final stretch.

The LA Clippers are coming off a very impressive game led by Blake Griffin against the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. The Clippers are looking to build rhythm with Chris Paul and Griffin coming back into the fold. Chris Paul is returning to form and he will be needed against a shoot the lights out Rockets team.

The Rockets are leading the league in 3-point attempts (40.1 per game). With James Harden leading the pack and Eric Gordon attempting more than nine 3’s a game, it looks to be an explosive game. If the Clippers want to win this game, they are going to need to do a few things.

Understand That The Previous Game Doesn’t Matter

The previous game between the two teams saw James Harden go for a triple double and the Rockets win by 24. That game also did not have Paul and Griffin playing, and even though they are finding their rhythm, they will need to be on task tonight if they want to win. Expect a more competitive outing by the Clippers tonight.

Paul is still finding his shot and it seems Griffin is showing us his next gear. Paul is crafty enough to get to the foul line and get those guarding him in foul trouble. Griffin is beginning to show us a glimpse of “Playoff Blake” by averaging 26.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and 6.2 assists for the month of February.

Paul and Griffin in the line up gives the offense and defense a boost that was missing in the game in December.

3 Point Defense

The Clippers need to run shooters off the three-point line. That seems pretty simple, but when chaos ensues the Clippers don’t cover broken plays well and if anyone can catch the Clips slipping, it would be Harden and the Rockets.

Harden is doing what he does best: getting buckets and getting to the line. He is driving in and if he does not like what shot option he has, he kicks it out to an open shooter. Harden is averaging 11.3 assists per game and leading the league in assists. He’s ready to pass out to very effective 3-point shooters.

Running the Rockets off the line will help throw a wrench in what the Rockets do, and the Clippers can dictate the game’s pace. The Rockets are a dangerous team, but not as dangerous if you limit their shooters.

Dec 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives the ball as Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives the ball as Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Play Harden Smart

The Clippers have some very good one-on-one defenders and Harden will see many different looks from the Clippers. The Clippers will need to have quick feet and keep from reaching. When defending Harden going to the basket, they need to give him space so he does not create contact. Getting the ball out of Harden’s hands will be a priority.

Harden is the reason the Rockets are playing so well. He is a top MVP candidate and is coming close to averaging a triple-double.They also received help by getting Eric Gordon in the off-season and having him share ball handling duties.

Play aggressive

The Clippers will need to be on the hunt from the get go. They will need to attack and once the defense begins to collapse, find open shooters such as J.J. Redick who is catching fire after a minor slump.

Griffin needs to keep doing what he’s doing, and now with the three pointer in his bag, he will need to use it more and more. If the look is there then take the shot, but take it in rhythm and do not hesitate.

Blake Griffin is capable of taking over games and will need his fingerprints all over this one.

Kevin Durant Out

Kevin Durant was injured during the Warriors’ game last night in DC when his teammate fell into him accidentally. The Warriors, whom have been relatively healthy by Clippers standards the previous couple of years, have to deal with a major blow. This has opened the door for several teams in the West, including the Rockets who are less than 10 games back. Seeding could change and both teams in tonight’s match-up are  We look at it more in-depth on what it might mean for the Clippers specifically.

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