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Clippers – Hornets: The More Blake Griffin, The Better

By Garrett Chorpenning

Feb 8, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) misses a dunk attempt over New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) misses a dunk attempt over New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s no secret that Blake Griffin has been on a tear ever since his return on January 24. Not only is he averaging roughly 29 points per game, he also had his first triple-double since 2014 against the Toronto Raptors and scored a season-high 32 against the Knicks on Wednesday. If we’re going to keep on winning games, we’re gonna a larger dose of Griffin.

Forget about the defense for a minute. What Blake has been doing for our offense lately is absurd. Through 7 games without Chris Paul and with Griffin, the Clippers are averaging a ridiculous 111.7 points per game. That offense would rank among the top five in the league.

Related Story: We Missed You: An Open Letter to the Clippers’ Blake Griffin

Blake’s contributions will be important on Saturday, as the Clippers (32-21) will travel to Charlotte to take on the Hornets (24-29). The Hornets are allowing 104.4 points per game this season, so LA needs to take advantage of their weakness. Here’s how they can do it.

Attack The Paint

If there is one thing that the Hornets lack, it’s a legitimate big man. They’re led by Cody Zeller, who averages a mere 10.8 points per game along with 6.5 rebounds. These numbers appear weak when compared to All-Star DeAndre Jordan, who is a top-five rebounder and number one freak of nature. Don’t be surprised if he eats Zeller alive down low. DJ is also coming off a 28 point performance against the New York Knicks.

Feb 8, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) reacts during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) reacts during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Stop Kemba Walker

It’s no secret that the Hornets’ Kemba Walker is an absolute force. If we had Chris Paul this wouldn’t be an issue, but we don’t. Austin Rivers‘ defense is good and all, but Kemba’s killer moves will shake him without a doubt. This is the one matchup is most necessary to watch. If anything is going to take us down today, it’ll be Walker. He’s very capable of having a 40 point performance.

Give It To Blake

Shocker. Sometimes, the most obvious answer is the best. We already know that what Blake has been doing lately is MVP-worthy, so why not feed him the rock? He’ll be matched up against Marvin Williams, a primarily anchored defensive player. If Blake strays more from the post and works his outside game, there’s no reason why he won’t have another 30 point game.

The Verdict

NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Toronto Raptors
NBA: Los Angeles Clippers at Toronto Raptors /

So long as we win the battle in the paint, the Clippers should have no problem taking home a victory this afternoon. Next, LA will travel to Utah to take on the Jazz, and then follow up with a home matchup against the Hawks to bring them into the All-Star break.

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