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Los Angeles Clippers: 5 Deciding Factors In Game 7

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 30, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) is defended by San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) is defended by San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Los Angeles Clippers
Apr 30, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) drives against San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (right) in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Stars Making Plays

When all is said and done, however, this game is really contingent on which team’s stars outshine the other’s. Blake Griffin has been magnificent in this series, averaging 24.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.7 blocks per game.

But he’s also frozen up a few times late in games with the score is tight, including the turnover in Game 2 that helped send it to overtime and failing to see a wide open DeAndre Jordan at the end of Game 5 that led to DJ’s goaltend.

When Chris Paul has been aggressive and in the zone, San Antonio has had no answer for him defensively. In Game 1, he dropped a 32-7-6 statline and went 13-for-20 from the field in the blowout win. In Game 6 last night, he came to life in the second half to finish the game with 19 points and 15 assists, not to mention a clutch basket that put the game out of reach with 21 seconds left.

But he’s also been inconsistent at times. In the Clippers’ Game 3 blowout loss, he forgot to show up (seven points, 3-for-11 shooting). In wins this series, he’s averaged 28.3 points, 9.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game while shooting 51.7 percent from the floor. In losses, those numbers plummet to 15.7 points, 7.0 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game on 45 percent shooting.

For the Clippers to win this game, their stars have to outshine Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard, who, coming off a 3-for-15 performance in Game 6, will likely be out for blood in the decisive Game 7.

J.J. Redick coming to life last night was a good sign. Matt Barnes knocking down a few perimeter shots was equally important. But when it comes down to it, who is going to take over and make big plays down the stretch? If Griffin can dominate during the first three and a half quarters without tiring, he can then turn things over to CP3 to close things out.

But if Leonard comes up big or Tim Duncan proves his status (once again) as an all-time legend, Griffin and CP3 can’t shy away from the moment. They have to be aggressive and put this game in their hands. At least one of their playoff legacies could be depending on it.

Next: The Biggest X-Factor On Every NBA Playoff Team

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