Following a loss to the San Antonio Spurs in his first game back, Chris Paul will look to guide the Clippers to their first win since his return, as well as a season sweep of the Charlotte Hornets.
There’s no denying that Chris Paul didn’t look quite like himself on Friday night. In a losing effort, he went for 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists on 6/14 shooting. While these numbers aren’t bad, it’s worth noting that CP also recorded 4 turnovers. It’s not a startling amount, but enough that it’s uncharacteristic for him.
DeAndre Jordan also wasn’t at his best in that game, scoring 14 points and securing just 8 rebounds. It’s safe for anyone to say that he typically plays better when Paul is really controlling the game. Chris Paul’s game impacts the court in more ways than one, another way he proves his elite status.
The Clippers will need CP to play his best Sunday night, when they take on a feisty Hornets group. LA took them down in Charlotte earlier this month, 107-102. Blake Griffin had a near triple-double effort in that one, going for 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists. Here are some things to look for this time around.
The Injury Bug Has Come And Gone
Here’s a surprise – for the first time all season, the Clippers’ injury report is free of players (with the exception of Diamond Stone, who likely wouldn’t play anyway). Yes, that’s right. CP, DJ, and Griffin will all share the floor again, and we can get a few more glimpses of this year’s first round selection, Brice Johnson. All the injuries really occurred at the perfect time. Chris Paul can now retain his rights as the floor general and get the team to prime position before the playoffs begin in April.
Related Story: Brice Johnson Makes NBA Debut
Austin Rivers Can’t Stop Heating Up
https://twitter.com/PrimeHoops/status/835010577328144384
Who knew, right? He is just the coach’s kid after all.
Wrong.
Austin Rivers has been as dominant now as ever, and no one can stop him. Not even Kevin Durant, as he proved when he went for 19 points against Golden State last Thursday.
He’s had the hot hand lately, averaging 17.6 points per game over the last 5. It’s come at a needed time too, as J.J. Redick hasn’t been himself lately. He’s averaged a mere 10.2 points over the last 5. Clearly, he is another player who benefits very much from Chris Paul’s game. Look for him to start heating up again in the near future.
The Verdict
The more time we have Chris Paul back, the better the Clippers are going to get. Another rough game could spell danger, but the play of Austin Rivers and Blake Griffin should be enough help to get the Clippers back on track with a victory.