Clippers Dominate Rockets 128-95: The 5 Things We Learned
By Tom West
The Rockets can’t contain Blake Griffin
May 8, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) dunks to score a basket against the Houston Rockets during the first half in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Paul’s return may have reduced the need to use Griffin as a facilitator, but he’s still been the best player of the postseason so far.
Since the playoffs began, Blake has averaged 24.7 points, 13 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game. The aggression that he’s played with since the opening night of the first round against the San Antonio Spurs hasn’t faltered, and it’s done wonders for the Clippers.
He gave L.A. a ferocious spark in game one against the Rockets when he took over with a 26 points, 14 rebound, 13 assist performance, and if Paul hadn’t returned, Griffin would probably still be recording more triple doubles.
Whilst he can still take over a fast break or distribute the ball from the top of the key, it obviously hasn’t been the Clippers priority to do so, seeing as they once again have the best point guard in the league to take over instead. However, that doesn’t take anything away from Griffin’s performance.
He’s continued to play with tenacity in the paint, and has thrown his athleticism and strength at the Rockets’ frontcourt all series.
Blake made 71.5 percent of his shots from within three feet this season, and even though his range has increased (he now shoots 40 percent from 16 feet out) his near uncontrollable presence at the rim has been too much for Houston to handle.
In game four, Griffin finished with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting (including 7-of-9 from the free throw line), 8 rebounds and 3 assists. It’s a moderate stat line for Blake, but that’s only because he’s set ridiculously high standards with his three triple doubles in this year’s playoffs.
And unfortunately for the Rockets, they just can’t contain him.