Matchups and Keys: Warriors Take on Banged-Up Clippers
By Greg Chin
Whenever the Golden State Warriors play the Los Angeles Clippers, it is sure to be a feisty affair. The two have formed one of the league’s newest and most intense rivalries, and during in the 13 matchups over the last two seasons, 23 player and coach technicals have been handed out.
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Unfortunately, in today’s game, it might just be a subdued affair. The Clippers will be without superstar Blake Griffin, as he works his way back from elbow surgery. There was speculation that he could be fit for this game, but was unable to heal in time. They could also be without Jamal Crawford and Matt Barnes – two key members of their rotation.
In Griffin’s absence, Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan have stepped up. Jordan’s 14.5 rebounds per night and 71.3 percent field goal shooting rivals that of Wilt Chamberlain in 1972-73, while Paul has increased his regular season averages to 22.5 points and 12.5 assists in the 11 games Griffin has missed.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have managed to rediscover their defensive groove over the past two games. The team has been struggling with fatigue and complacency, so it was good to watch them blowout the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night. The only concern is Klay Thompson, who is firmly stuck in a rut. His shooting has gone down, and hasn’t seemed himself since the All-Star break.
Key Matchups
Chris Paul vs Stephen Curry: Since the All-Star break, Stephen Curry has been on-fire when shooting it from behind the arc, and is currently on pace to break his own record for most three-point makes in a season. The matchup between the two will be one to look out for, as Chris Paul will want to prove that he is still the best point guard in the NBA.
DeAndre Jordan vs Andrew Bogut: Since losing Blake Griffin to an injury, Jordan has been the Clippers’ second-most important player. He is a devastating shot-blocker, and leads the league in offensive rebounds. Bogut will have to make sure that Jordan isn’t cleaning up on the boards, especially against the much-smaller Warriors.
Keys to the Game
- Defense
The Clippers and the Warriors are the two best offenses in the league. Both teams are in the top two in offensive rating and points per game, and this should be a high-scoring affair. However, the key difference here is that the Clippers are just league-average defensively. If the Warriors can focus their defensive efforts and limit the Clippers’ offensively, it will make winning a lot easier.
- Rebounds
When the two teams met in last year’s first round playoff series, the Warriors were without Andrew Bogut. As a result, they were forced to go small with a frontcourt rotation of Jermaine O’Neal, Draymond Green, and David Lee. The Clippers, with Griffin and Jordan, killed the Warriors on the boards, and it was eventually enough in a seven-game series. The Warriors will need to lock down the boards, especially on the offensive end, and limit DeAndre Jordan’s influence.