Jasmine Robinson (@firelordjazz)
Series MVP:
Point God. No explanation needed.
X-Factor:
DeAndre Jordan. The LA Clippers aren’t winning the series unless he straight up plays better than Gobert. That’s something he is totally capable of.
Series Prediction:
Clippers in 5. That Jazz team hasn’t seen the playoffs in 5 years and the Clippers are ready to eat.
— Clipperholics (@ClipperholicsFS) April 11, 2017
Match-up:
Luc Mbah a Moute vs Hayward (or as Doc and CP3 would say, “Haywood”). Luc will put the clamps on Hayward every single night just like he did each time this season. Obviously, Hayward is an amazing player so he’ll find a way to help his team regardless, but good defense is so fun to watch and Luc is extremely underrated. Hopefully this playoff series will help him get some recognition.
***note: I think it’s important that Blake paces himself this series. I want to see him dive in head first on Saturday night, but the 2nd round will require so much more of him physically. While Blake does need to step up his game another level against the Jazz, he should (for lack of better words) save himself for the second round. But it’s also hard because it’s in the LA Clippers’ best interest to win this series as quickly and efficiently as possible. Striking that balance will be key for the Clippers throughout their postseason.