Clippers vs. Thunder features two of the elite teams in the Western Conference; however, has seen some controversial moments in the playoffs so far as one town highly criticized their star players in the local newspaper while the other city defensively listens to the racial comments from their owner, which sparked a national controversy and that's just half the story. The #2 versus #3 matchup in the West will have as many fireworks as the four overtimes and high scoring affairs these two teams endured in their last series. Kevin Durant will receive his first MVP award and dethrone LeBron James for now from winning a unprecedented third consecutive MVP trophy. Durant, who was set to be stoned in OKC after his team's let down in their shocking Game 5 loss against the Memphis Grizzlies, responded on the court after the local newspaper, The Oklahoman labeled the Superstar "Mr. Unreliable." After shooting (40%) from the field and just (29%) from behind the arc, Durant responded by shooting (56%) from the field and (45%) from behind the arc in the final two games of the series , which helped the Oklahoma City Thunder advance to the next round. His partner in crime, Russell Westbrook’s shooting percentage is still low; however, his scoring and outrageous amount of shot attempts remains high. Westbrook shot less than (40%) in the first round but posting two triple-doubles and averaging of (25.6) points per game, (9.7) rebounds per game, and (8.1) assists, you would think he has played well. His shooting has steadily increased beyond Durant’s each game and when Robin is shooting more than Batman, Oklahoma City, we have a problem.
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| Blake Griffin dunks on Oklahoma City Noah Graham for Getty Images/NBA Entertainment |
The Clippers, in wake of the Donald Sterling comments, prevailed and overcame this untimely act from their owner. After dropping Game 1 at home, the Clippers were (0-5) in franchise history after losing game one in a series; however, head coach Doc Rivers chose to re-write history. Los Angeles won a battle tested seven game series versus the Golden State Warriors. A 40-point win and a 21-point loss, combined with a couple close games and high scoring made it a fun and interesting series. Rivers and the Clippers have a solid post-game and have bench loaded with players who can change the game in a matter of minutes. Sixth Man of the Year, Jamal Crawford leads the way off a bench, and he would be a starting shooting guard on at least ten other NBA teams. Blake Griffin and Chris Paul played well but had an up and down series shooting wise against Golden State. Chris Paul persevered through a hamstring injury while posting three double-doubles in their series victory. His shooting percentages were down from the regular season but Paul remained focus at the task at hand.
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Clippers center DeAndre Jordan has his shot challenged by Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka in the first quarter Monday night at Staples Center. ( Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times / January 30, 2012 )
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As for the Clippers, their rebounding and interior presence will be key towards having success against the Thunder. Just like Memphis banged around the Thunder, Los Angeles must do the same. Blake Griffin averaged (23.3) points per game, (3.6) assists per game, (6.3) rebounds per game in the series vs. Golden State and center DeAndre Jordan posted (12.1) points per game, (15.1) rebounds per game, and (4.0) blocks per game, which is amazing. Los Angeles is becoming known for more than just their spectacular dunks, Jordan poses a threat on the defensive end having a block party averaging (4) blocks a game, which is the leader throughout the playoffs. In close games, the Clippers should have an advantage. Oklahoma City's execution down the stretch has been spotty at best in the postseason, and in Rivers, the Clips have one of the best late-game strategists in the league. Oklahoma City brings a counter threat in power-forward Serge Ibaka; the Congo native, averaged (13.0) points per game, (2.6) blocks per game, and (8.9) rebounds per game will provide both scoring and rebounding but his involvement on offense and will need to bring some intensity on defense dealing with Blake Griffin. He's a highly regarded defender, but that reputation has been built mainly on his ability to come from the weak side to block shots. His straight-up, man-to-man defense has been more suspect, but it will be on full display against Griffin. Reggie Jackson is another key component to OKC's success. Jackson posted 16 points in their game seven win versus Memphis and literally saved the series in Game 4 posting a career high (32) points on 11-16 shooting, but the Thunder will need to make sure they share the basketball early and often in order to succeed against the Clippers.
Caron Butler was also a key contributor, being another scorer and can assist on both ends of the court. Chris Paul had troubles when Golden State through bigger guards to match up with CP3 and look for the same from Thunder head coach Scott Brooks. Los Angeles and Oklahoma City split the regular season series (2-2) and again, this series is literally a coin toss. OKC will be motivated from their home crowd and will post a few wins, but their lack of solid depth compared to Los Angeles cautions me. The Clippers play defense when they want too as the Warriors in the previous matchup was shooting near (50%) and that will not get it done at any level of basketball. There are not too many Tony Allen's in the world so Durant won't see a lock down defender as well as Allen played him in this series; however when Russell Westbrook shoots more than 25 shots a contest, which he’s very capable of doing, the Thunder are (11-18) which is not a recipe for a winning formula. Going with the experienced head coach in Doc Rivers and the loaded Clippers roster.
PREDICTION: LOS ANGELES OVER OKLAHOMA CITY 4-2
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