The Morning After: LA Clippers vs Golden State Warriors
By Mike Parrott
2) We need CP3
The Clippers were missing a few things last night to be able to challenge the Warriors on all fronts. The big missing needs were play-making, shot-creating and defense. Maybe if the Clippers had a player like that? Oh yeah. That Chris Paul guy.
Chris Paul was sorely missed last night on both sides of the ball. With the Warriors back-court starters scoring a combined 50 points, and the Clippers creating 14 less assists than their opponents, Paul’s two-way production is needed back as soon as possible. Even though the Clippers back-court depth of Jamal Crawford and Rivers had great games, their defense has always been lacking and weren’t able to outscore the Warriors back-court.
If the Clippers want to be winning these games (which they obviously should), then Paul’s ability is needed for this team. Even though Griffin can play a pseudo-point-forward role, Chris Paul is a legendary Point Guard and this team is only going to go as far as Chris Paul can take them.
If they want to make the conference finals or even the Finals, Chris Paul is going to be needed and playing a lot of minutes. Raymond Felton filling in for Paul had a game to forget with only nine points off six shots and didn’t bring anything on the defensive side.