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Los Angeles Clippers: Resting Chris Paul Is Best Long-Term Strategy

By Andrew C. Fisher

Mar 27, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) dribbles against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Clippers won 119-98. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) dribbles against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Clippers won 119-98. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chris Paul‘s game-winning shot to eliminate the San Antonio Spurs will go down as one of the great moments in NBA playoff history. It’s already worthy of being labeled as the greatest play in Los Angeles Clippers franchise history.

But even the best of moments have their price. Paul limped to the finish line in Game 7 with a bad hamstring, an injury that ultimately cost him Game 1 of the conference semifinals. You know CP3 had to be absolutely ailing to sit out a playoff game at this juncture of his career. 2015 seems like the best chance he’s ever had at a ring, based on his and the Clippers’ play in round one.

On paper Los Angeles didn’t seem to stand much of a chance against the high-flying-as-of-late Houston Rockets without its fearless leader. But with top-notch effort and an outstanding night from the field, the Clippers were easily able to knock off Houston on its home floor.

Sure, the Clippers played an exceptional game without Paul. Blake Griffin and the supporting cast all executed their roles to a tee and didn’t miss a beat. However, the bottom line was effort. Kevin McHale even admitted in the post-game press conference that the Clippers just flat out wanted it more.

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All of the great things Los Angeles did in the opener aside, we’re really only talking about one game. Realistically, the Clippers were probably just hoping for a split before heading back home for Game 3.

So the obvious question arises — should Doc Rivers rest Paul in Game 2? The worst thing that could happen is a loss that was probably planned anyway (even though it was likely never spoken about).

At the same time, CP3’s hamstring could get the rest it so desperately needs. Plus, after the way the team played in his absence, there’s no reason to think they couldn’t knock off the Rockets again.

It appears that Paul will be a game-time decision in Game 2, with status being labeled as 50/50.

For what it’s worth, all of the “experts” on Inside the NBA said rest was the best way to go, a thought that was first brought up by Reggie Miller during the Game 1 broadcast. Miller correctly pointed out that time is the only thing that will truly heal Paul’s hamstring.

With Game 3 not slated to take place until Friday, he would get six days of rest. Obviously his injury is probably going to need a lot longer than six days to fully heal. But there’s no such thing as fully healed for any true NBA warrior at this point in the season.

You can bet that Chris Paul will be back in the playoffs before too long. Whether it’s Wednesday night or Friday night, he’ll be out there giving it all he’s got.

But if the Clippers are as good as it looks like they are, the best long-term strategy is to rest The Franchise in Game 2. Los Angeles clearly has what it takes to beat Houston over seven games, with or without Chris Paul for another game.

Next: Blake Griffin: NBA's Best PF

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