5) The Clippers wings
So, what’s happening with the LA Clippers wing rotations? On one of the nights the Clippers desperately needed perimeter defense, Luc Mbah a Moute only played four minutes. A way of beating the Warriors is to try to shut them down and not try to outscore them.
Even though Rivers and Crawford combined for 39 points off 25 shots, their defensive abilities most likely gave up a greater amount. With Green’s absence last night, it would’ve given Rivers a green-light to play more small-ball with Mbah a Moute at the four to combat Durant. However, he allowed Griffin to try to defend Durant, a mistake even a middle-school coach would be able to pick up on.
If the Clippers want to actually win, they need to try to play to the opposition and not try to outscore everyone. Sometimes you have to sacrifice the offensive skills of Griffin or Jordan for a good perimeter defender like Mbah a Moute.
The Clippers could have played small-ball against them to nullify the Warriors firepower or fed Jordan to overpower them with their height. However, Doc Rivers played neither somehow and ultimately cost the Clippers a L against the leaders in the West. If the Clippers want to get anywhere soon, Rivers has to up his coaching abilities because his mistakes against the Warriors were easily fixed if he thought it through.
Next: Should the Clippers trade for Melo?
The LA Clippers now travel to Boston to face the Celtics.