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

By 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, CA – MARCH 19: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers reacts against the Indiana Pacers on March 19, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 19: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers reacts against the Indiana Pacers on March 19, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Montrezl Harrell: Stay energized, and out of foul trouble

Montrezl Harrell just wrapped up one of the league’s best seasons off the bench, and if it wasn’t for teammate Lou Williams doing the same, Harrell would probably be hoisting the Sixth Man of the Year award over his head.

Already a force last season, Harrell improved upon his 2017-2018 campaign in a major way. In just 26.3 minutes per game this year, he averaged 16.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks — all of which are career-high numbers.

Harrell hustles like no other, makes shot after shot and throws down dunks with as much power as you’ll see in the league. It’s imperative that he does the same against Golden State.

Harrell should figure to see about 30 minutes per game in the playoffs, all of which should be played next to Williams. And while he’s only played 30+ minutes on 17 different occasions this season, it shouldn’t be an issue for him to do so on a more consistent basis. He’s not the type to get worn out.

The main concern for Harrell in those extended minutes will be staying out of foul trouble. He’s only fouled out twice all year, but he sometimes finds himself with two or three fouls by the end of the first quarter, which is never good for his minutes. I imagine Doc will be a little more lenient with early fouls in the playoffs, depending on how close the game is, but the Clippers absolutely need him to be available as much as possible.

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