LA Clippers: 5 things we learned from L.A.’s preseason
By Tom West
Blake Griffin looks explosive and aggressive
Blake is back and at his best. Sure, he’ll take some time to find his full rhythm as the regular season gets underway and he can adjust to his new teammates, but he’s displayed a level of aggression, focus and improved shooting range that you have to be impressed by.
You shouldn’t need reminding of what he can do, unless you’re one of the critics who thinks he needs to leave L.A. after the staff incident last season or that “all he does is dunk.” If you’re the latter, you really haven’t watched basketball in years.
Well, all that matters now is that Griffin has been showcasing exactly how he can help take the Clippers’ offense to a new level now he’s back.
Doc staggering Griffin’s and Paul’s minutes will help Griffin have some more time to show just how elite he can be by himself when operating as a triple threat from the elbow, whether he opts to shoot, pass, or use that devastating first step to drive past his man.
Plus, with Griffin’s improved shot mechanics (releasing the ball more often at the peak of his jump rather than hesitating and releasing on the way down), he’s added three-point range that can be utilized at times, going 33.3 percent from deep with 0.6 makes per game in the preseason.
When he’s not taking shots from beyond the arc, the very threat of that range opens up more space for the Clippers inside and gives Griffin a chance to attack off the dribble when opponents are forced to guard him closely from distance.
Equally, Griffin can still have his way in the post, too. His aggression to do just that in the preseason was impressive, looking for contact and powering his way to the basket. Scores like this baseline spin and dunk against Boris Diaw exemplified just that.
When he does this, he can so easily draw double teams to create lanes for others to cut. And one of the best parts about Griffin is that he has tremendous vision, timing and passing touch to find his teammates for easy scores.
In this play, with Rudy Gobert drawn away by DeAndre Jordan to prevent the threat of a lob and Joe Johnson coming to double Griffin in the post, Luc Mbah a Moute has a clear lane to cut and score off the pass from Griffin.
Blake changes the entire LA Clippers’ offense. These strengths have been on full display already, and we’re only in preseason form.
Next, the importance of Brandon Bass‘ defense when playing alongside Marreese Speights.