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The Morning After: Clippers vs Suns, Blake Griffin Shines

By Paul Tooke

Dec 19, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) shakes hands with center DeAndre Jordan (6) before playing the Houston Rockets in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) shakes hands with center DeAndre Jordan (6) before playing the Houston Rockets in the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 31, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren (12) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 31, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren (12) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

2) The small ball lineup was in full effect.

Much like in their previous game, the Clippers chose to run a small ball starting lineup consisting of Rivers, Felton, Redick, Griffin, and Jordan. The team relied on those players throughout the game to score and defend at a fast pace. The trio of Crawford, Felton, and Redick all received over 30 minutes, while Rivers was just shy with 28. With these minutes, the four players all scored at least 14 points. Each of these players had at least one steal as well. Using a small ball lineup helped the Clippers strip the ball from the much slower Suns lineup and run the fast break for easy buckets on the other end. This played a big role in maintaining a lead throughout the entire game.

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