The Los Angeles Clippers did not need late-game heroics from Chris Paul to beat the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series. The point guard was unavailable due to a hamstring injury and might not be an option in Game 2 either. However, the Clippers have all the confidence in the world right now which could carry them far as they aim to take Game 2 from the Rockets before returning to the Staples Center.
Houston appeared sluggish in the first game coming off a nice break following their series win against the Dallas Mavericks. They were sloppy giving the Clippers 34 points off 24 turnovers. James Harden who finished runner up for league MVP had 20 points in the loss and 12 assists. He committed nine of the team's turnovers. Dwight Howard added 22 points to lead the team along with 10 rebounds. Harden told the media that the team did not underestimate the Clippers without Paul, but simply did not play their best basketball.
Head coach Doc Rivers told the media that if it were an elimination game, Paul could have played, but the team felt it was not worth the risk. Rivers went on to say there is a 50-50 chance Paul will play in Game 2 as he continues to nurse the hamstring first injured in Game 7 against the San Antonio Spurs. Without Paul, Los Angeles did not struggle in getting their 117-101 win. Blake Griffin led the balanced attack with 26 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists. The forward is currently averaging 26.5 points and 13.3 rebounds in his last four playoff games which is pushing Los Angeles in the postseason.
Griffin is not the only one putting up solid numbers. 3-point shooting was successful from the remaining players as the Clippers netted all 13 attempts. Jamal Crawford added 21 points off the bench alongside Matt Barnes who had 20 points. Filling in at the point guard spot, JJ Redick and Austin Rivers each had 17 points and proved they could handle taking over for Paul. Los Angeles never showed signs of being tired despite coming off a very short break and facing the well-rested Rockets.
