Apr 13, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) and guard Jamal Crawford (11) go for a rebound in the second half of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center. Clippers won 110-103. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
In a vital 110-103 win over the Denver Nuggets, the Los Angeles Clippers have extended their win streak to six games. And yet again, DeAndre Jordan continued his monstrous rebounding tear. He’s been dominating the glass all year long, and has made himself known as the best rebounder in the NBA by a clear margin.
Last night was no different.
More from Clipperholics
- Grade the trade: Clippers shockingly land Trae Young in wild proposal
- 3 of the most overpaid players on the LA Clippers’ roster
- Trading for this player covers the Clippers’ biggest weakness
- How will the LA Clippers fare in the in-season tournament?
- Why the LA Clippers should steer clear of recent gold medalist waiver
The game was barely decided until the fourth quarter, and Wilson Chandler’s hot shooting late in the game and season-high 32 points made things no easier for the Clippers. However, behind 17 points and 9 assists from Chris Paul, 22 points from Blake Griffin, and another 20-20 game from DeAndre Jordan, L.A. were able to prevail.
Jordan hauled in 21 rebounds (8 of which were offensive), had 4 blocks and added 20 points on 8 of 12 shooting. At times, he simply made Kenneth Faried look lost under the basket. Whether the Nugget’s forward didn’t even bother to jump for a rebound or just had to endure being the victim of more put-back dunks, DeAndre Jordan asserted himself as the master of the paint.
It’s hardly surprising, though. He’s been doing it all year long, and his 15 rebounds per game are by far a league best. Andre Drummond is down in second with 13.5, and after that the distance at which Jordan has separated himself from everyone else is ridiculous. Tyson Chandler – the 5th best rebounder in the NBA this season – is 3.5 whole rebounds less per game than Jordan.
It puts a lot of perspective on just how much this guy hustles, doesn’t it?
Feb 25, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) dunks the ball during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
This season, Jordan has had thirteen games with 20+ rebounds. Thirteen. He’s on his way to leading the league in rebounds for two consecutive years now, and along with his 2.2 blocks per game, he’s certainly in the discussion for Defensive Player of the Year.
It’s a feat of athleticism, hustle and a will to do the dirty work that leads to a 20 rebound game. And it is by no means easy. So if those previous numbers didn’t impress you, remember that Jordan tallied 27 rebounds this February against the Dallas Mavericks.
Prior to Jordan’s game, only 17 players since 1985 had managed to achieve such a total.
Every game is crucial now in determining the outcome of the Western Conference for the playoffs, and DeAndre Jordan continues to rise above the rim at both ends of the court to ensure the Clippers are in the best position possible. Everyone will need to step up, every guard will need to hope that they get hot from behind the arc. But what makes Jordan so key is that he’s guaranteed to deliver in his areas of expertise; protecting the rim, hustling, and rebounding like his life depends on it.