Blake Griffin needs to shift into another gear against the Jazz
The Clippers have played extremely well this year against the Utah Jazz.
Getting Blake the ball early and often before the defense can set will be important because it helps to get going inside which has attributed to his recent stellar play.
"“Getting some easy ones,” is how Griffin described his recent stellar play. “Some post-ups, mixing it up. Our spacing has been really good. Getting some wide-open shots. That’s the best thing about when everybody is playing well. Our spacing, our rhythm, our timing is all right. So, it’s just open shots. But it’s really a credit to how everybody is running the offense each game.”"
If Blake continues to play this same way, there will be no one person that will be able to guard him. He will be able to put the ball on the floor with long defenders. Smaller defenders will be backed down if a double team doesn’t come. Blake passed out of double teams well. Not only will he have to contribute on offense, but he will need to have a defensive impact as well.
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The LA Clippers switch a bit on defense. They have to be careful when switching their bigs onto smaller quicker players. Blake is able to stay in front of many of his opponents and can guard most players. He is no DeAndre Jordan, but he makes up for the length with quick feet.
Blake will get his touches but he will need to help lead the second unit because of the injury to Austin Rivers. Going down hill, and getting to the line is going to be important, because its hard enough for starters to keep up with him.
Blake at times, will be surrounded with shooters such as J.J Redick, Jamal Crawford, Mo Speights, and Raymond Felton. Allow him to run the offense and pass out of double teams on the block/paint, to any of those shooters with space and they will be able to score in bunches.
Blake Griffin has had only one truly dominate game against the Utah Jazz in February, but if his play recently is any indication we should see more of those games once the first round starts.