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Playoff Picture: Los Angeles Clippers

By Luke Duffy

Apr 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) talks with teammates including guard J.J. Redick (4), forward Matt Barnes (22), and center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) talks with teammates including guard J.J. Redick (4), forward Matt Barnes (22), and center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Terrence Jones (6) and Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) jostle for rebounding position during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets forward Terrence Jones (6) and Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) jostle for rebounding position during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Potential X-Factor

DeAndre Jordan

One thing this team does have going for it, there are a lot of players who could theoretically step up at big moments in the playoffs to lead the team to a win. Griffin could have gone here, Crawford too, even Redick. But it is Jordan who has emerged this season to become a key cog for this team.

In years past, he didn’t seem content to simply defend well, run the floor and score off put-backs and easy scores around the paint. This comes with little credit, and in some ways is the curse of the big man in the NBA. This year though, Jordan seemed to accept that in order for this team to win big, that would be exactly what he needed to do.

Against a team like the Portland Trail Blazers, he could have a field day and absolutely grab 30 rebounds in a couple of those games if he was locked in. This is why he is so crucial to the Clippers. They’ve got the scoring punch from multiple players on this roster. Consistent defenders and rebounders though? Not quite.

Even more impressive, Jordan’s win share of 12.36 is fifth across the entire league. How’s that for importance to this team (Paul’s is 15.62, second behind only James Harden. Having two guys on the same team in the top five in this category shows you how strong their starting unit is).

Next: Potential NBA Finals Participants?

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