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Blake Griffin: The NBA’s Best Power Forward

By Gerald Bourguet

May 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) shouts directions to his teammates while playing against the Houston Rockets in the second half in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Los Angeles Clippers won 117 to 101. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) shouts directions to his teammates while playing against the Houston Rockets in the second half in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Los Angeles Clippers won 117 to 101. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Blake Griffin
May 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) faces against Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) in the first quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Attacking The Basket

Taking a look at Blake Griffin’s shot chart for the playoffs, it’s not particularly impressive. He’s only converted 52.7 percent of his shots near the basket (the league average is 53.9 percent) and he’s shooting just 46.8 percent from the field after shooting 50.2 percent during the regular season.

That being said, Griffin’s hard work around the basket has been exemplary no matter what the league averages are.

Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin’s 2014-15 playoff shot chart, per NBA.com. /

Simply put, Griffin’s been a force around the basket. For those who spent all season worrying about how much time the Flyin’ Lion spent jacking up midrange jumpers, Griffin has gone back to his roots by relentlessly attacking the basket.

Just ask Aron Baynes:

Or wait, maybe ask him again:

Eh, why not? ASK HIM A THIRD TIME:

It’s not just the gravity-defying jams that have been impressive, however. All those narratives about Griffin being soft in the paint and shying away from contact seem to have died down over the last three weeks.

During the regular season, only 48.8 percent of his shots came from right at the basket. Through eight games of the playoffs, that number has skyrocketed to 60 percent.

Even better, Griffin has been so relentless attacking the basket that his defenders have had to foul him and send him to the line. Griffin’s increased his free throw attempts per game from 6.4 during the regular season to 8.0 during the playoffs. Even better, he’s upped his efficiency from the charity stripe from 72.8 percent to 76.6 percent in the postseason.

If you’re wondering how Griffin’s raised his scoring averages from 21.9 points per game during the regular season to 24.4 points per game in the playoffs, look no further than his superhuman efforts in the paint.

Next: Midrange Game

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