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LA Clippers: What Paul Pierce can do against the Utah Jazz

By Jasmine Robinson

Mar 30, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Clippers defeated the Suns 124-118. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Clippers defeated the Suns 124-118. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; LA Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) and his teammates before a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; LA Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) and his teammates before a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Veteran Presence

Pierce’s M.O. on the Clippers is to provide that “veteran presence” during the playoffs. While he was on the team for the same reason last season, he wasn’t given the opportunity to really help this team due to an injury induced early exit. But, given that all players stay healthy this playoffs, Pierce can help the Clippers go farther than they ever have.

The Clippers have had lots of playoff experience over the past 5 years. The only problem is that it’s been in short stints each time. Pierce and Mo Speights are the only players on the roster to have won a ring. It takes a certain type of mental toughness to go far in the playoffs, and this seems to be the Clippers’ largest hurdle.

RELATED STORY: Paul Pierce scores 10,000 career points

Get the Clippers out of their own way

The Clippers always seem to get in the way of their own success. Whether that be overthinking or just getting plain lazy, it always seems to be more of a Clippers’ loss than the opponent’s victory. None of it is excusable, not even common tropes like “wanting to win so bad” that you get in your own way. Pierce should be able to help this team channel and maintain their competitive energy against the Jazz.

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