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LA Clippers: What every player needs to do in the playoffs

Garrett Chorpenning|
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz on April 10, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the LA Clippers looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz on April 10, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 05: Sindarius Thornwell #0 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center on April 05, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 05: Sindarius Thornwell #0 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Staples Center on April 05, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)

Sindarius Thornwell: Be available

Ralph Lawler often refers to him as the “Designated Defender” for a reason — Sindarius Thornwell is great in those short little bursts on defense, and he’s as versatile a defender as they come.

Despite his 6-5 frame, Thornwell has been able to bother players off all shapes and sizes throughout his LA Clippers career. Whether it be guards, wings or bigs, Thornwell gets right up in their grille and plays physical basketball for however long he’s needed.

Because his minutes are so inconsistent, it’s hard to tell exactly how often we’ll see him used in the playoffs. If anything, it’ll be an extremely limited role, unless he particularly bothers a certain player on an opposing squad.

But even if his role isn’t so big, you can expect Thornwell to be prepared if and when his number is called. Night after night, he goes through the motions and sits nearly all game, sometimes playing as few as three seconds. But he does what he needs to do, and he does it well.

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