Clippers-Blazers: 5 advantages L.A. has for NBA playoffs
By Tom West
More wing depth
It’s a rare matchup when you get to say the Clippers have more depth than someone, and fans aren’t used to a bench that can contribute as much as this year’s can, even if it can be inconsistent.
As Jamal Crawford has led the way once again with 14.2 points per game, this team has ranked 4th in the NBA in bench scoring with 38 points per game.
The 42 field goal percentage is rather unsightly, but at least the points are there and it’s a major improvement from a 22nd ranking in bench scoring last season.
It’s come down to the additions that have been made to revamp the entire roster, gradually coming closer together through Griffin’s absence to start contributing. Through the wavering spells that lose the lead the starters build and the perimeter-based, sometimes inefficient offense, the defense is a particular bright spot.
Wesley Johnson has played some of the best defense of his career this season and Austin Rivers has taken a real step forward at that end of the floor, too. And while Johnson’s three-point shooting has cooled right down over the second half of the season, he’s still a threat from the corner and Rivers has shot 42 percent from three and averaged 10.6 points over the last 21 games, so at least he’s entering the playoffs with some momentum.
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On top of these three, Paul Pierce and Jeff Green are the other primary names beyond Luc Mbah a Moute who holds down the fort with his defense and hustle in the starting lineup. Unfortunately for L.A., Pierce has been a major disappointment all season, and we all know about Green. He has the potential to be an x-factor for the Clippers at both ends of the floor in the playoffs, but the lingering plague of inconsistency won’t go away.
For the Blazers, they don’t exactly have a ton of wing depth and rank just 17th in bench scoring.
Allen Crabbe has had a career-year averaging 10.3 points and shooting 39.3 percent from deep, making a key impact now that he’s received more minutes. Beyond Crabbe coming off the bench, though, the positive difference makers on the wing are more scarce. Gerald Henderson and Maurice Harkless are the only notable names the Clippers need to look out for as possible wing threats off the bench.
Next: Blake Griffin is starting to find his form
This series could be a thoroughly entertaining one, featuring two strong offensive teams and the underdog Blazers who have fought against doubt all season. For the type of reasons that have been broken down through this article, though, the Clippers should continue as clear favorites and advance in five or six games to the second round.