LA Clippers: What DeAndre Jordan can do against the Utah Jazz

As the LA Clippers prepare for their first round playoffs match-up with the Utah Jazz, here’s how DeAndre Jordan needs to contribute for a series victory.

The LA Clippers’ man in the middle DeAndre Jordan is ready to prove that he’s one one of the best big men in the league. He is more than just a lob catching, rebound grabbing, tall basketball player. DeAndre is one of the most important parts of this team and is the defensive anchor for the Clippers ship. He’s the center piece (no pun intended) and the heart and soul of this team.

DJ has been with this team longer than most people in the entire franchise have: 9 years. He’s endured all the low moments and all the high moments. This playoffs, he’ll be looking to take his team farther than it’s ever gone. The first obstacle in their way is the Utah Jazz.

First, lets look at DeAndre’s numbers this season:

2016-2017 season

PTS: 12.7   FG%: 0.714   FT%: 0.482   REB: 13.8   AST: 1.2   BLK: 1.7   STL: 0.6   TO: 1.4   MIN: 31.7

PER: 21.8   TS%: 0.673

vs the Jazz (4 games)

PTS: 9.0   FG%: 0.516   FT%: 0.444   REB: 12.8   AST: 0.8   BLK: 1.8   STL: 0.3   TO: 1.0   MIN: 30.5   +/-: 13.5

In the last 10 games of the season where the Clippers have gone 8-2, DeAndre has averaged 14.2 points, 15.6 rebounds per game, 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 78.4% from the field. It’s safe to say that DJ is ready for the playoffs.