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Clippers-Trail Blazers Game 1: Five key things we learned

By Trisity Miller

Apr 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer (left, center) cheers during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer (left, center) cheers during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard JJ Redick (4) celebrates with fans after making the game-winning shot during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. The Clippers won 96-94. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

3 – J.J. Redick looks healthy

Have to admit I was worried about how Redick would look fresh off a heel contusion. Regardless the severity, having a player whose value is predicated on his ability to move deal with injury to the foot is worth a scare. The smallest shift in execution could take Redick from one of the league’s most efficient guards to a lesser version, and that’s not what this team needs.

It took no time for Redick to get going and look like his usual self, and in the end, finished with 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field. Circling around screen setters. Pushing on the wings in transition. Drawing the attention of bigs and wings going through his half court motions. From points scored to the eye test, this was peak Redick.

This is promising, but moreso for future reasons, aka the Warriors. When looking over how POR-LAC could play out, I settled on the Clippers being able to beat the Blazers without a healthy Redick. There are too many defensive mismatches for Portland to overcome with offense and even 75% of Redick is an impressive one. But against the Warriors, it’s not possible. Truthfully, it may not be possible with Redick so you can imagine how a series goes when the team’s best shooter isn’t himself.

Circling back to the current series, Redick’s output will likely continue barring the “missing of shots he normally makes” stretch that’s expected here and there. McCollum can’t guard Redick and the Blazers will keep their defensive ace in Aminu on Griffin to try and slow him down.

Remember how Courtney Lee killed the Blazers in last years playoffs? This is the encore, but worse because Redick’s a far more dangerous than the inconsistent Lee.

Next: Preparing for a change

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