Clippers Dominate Rockets 128-95: The 5 Things We Learned

Hack-a-Jordan doesn’t work

May 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) reacts after a dunk against Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Rockets 128-95 to take a 3-1 lead. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

In game three, this series took a quick turn for the worse for Houston. They lost 124-99 as the series deficit fell to 2-1. So in order to attempt a comeback in game four, they opted to try and foul their way to victory.

And ultimately, it couldn’t have gone much worse.

Jordan attempted a total of 34 free throws — making just 14 (41.2 percent) — and it still didn’t falter the Clippers’ offense as they went off for 128 points, which is the highest scoring output they’ve reached all year.

Jordan was one of the most entertaining parts of it, as he finished with 26 points including three straight dunks during the Clippers’ run in the third quarter.

He also added a perfectly timed block on a Corey Brewer dunk attempt and hauled 17 rebounds.

So even though it’s a shame he can’t score all his points with vicious one handed throw downs (that would just be too much fun), hopefully the Rockets will at least reduce their attempts to send him to the charity stripe.

No one wants to see 93 free throws a game, but even if he’s forced to spend what feels like an eternity at the line, he’s still going to spend the rest of his night dominating the paint.