The Morning After: LA Clippers vs Golden State Warriors

February 2, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) shoots as center DeAndre Jordan (6) covers Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 2, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) shoots as center DeAndre Jordan (6) covers Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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February 2, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) shoots as center DeAndre Jordan (6) covers Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 2, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) shoots as center DeAndre Jordan (6) covers Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

1) Getting to the line

A positive from the game was the Clippers ability to get to the free-throw line and convert at a decent rate. With a grand total of 39 free-throw attempts to the Warriors’ 18, the Clippers were able to draw fouls at an insane rate and kept themselves out of foul trouble at the same time.

With the Clippers not having the same amount of offensive firepower as other contenders, such as the Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers, the Clippers have to win in different ways. Their ability to get to the line so frequently, this could be a good plan of action against big teams come playoff time.

Griffin, in particular, got to the line at a rapid rate, attempting 13 free-throws, and making 11 of them. If Griffin can keep up this free-throw volume at a consistent rate, the increase from his average of seven attempts a game to a higher amount could make him into one of the most valuable bigs in the NBA.

If the rest of the team could increase their output at the line, they would be able to make themselves legitimate contenders to take the Western crown.