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5 Players Needing To Step Up In Blake Griffin’s Absence

By Kyle Tomasi

Dec 16, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) takes a breather during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) takes a breather during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 27, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) guards Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) in the first quarter of game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) guards Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce (34) in the first quarter of game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce was inserted into the starting lineup on Tuesday night against the Nuggets to fill part of Griffin’s void. Pierce, the veteran, has not seen a lot of minutes this year and hasn’t produced when he is in the game.

He is only averaging 3.6 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game this season, but has only played in seven games so far. His now-starting role will need to see an amped-up style of play in order to help the Clips out.

Pierce is nowhere near the player that he was in Boston, but his veteran mentality and big shot making ability will prove worthwhile in Griffin’s absence. “The Truth” has made big shot after big shot in his illustrious 19-year career.

The Clippers will need Pierce to try and recapture at least some of his past form. He won’t fill the Griffin void completely, as that’s almost impossible to do, but Pierce will be looked to for scoring, smart decisions and some possible big shots if the circumstances call for it.

Whether or not Pierce will continue to start at the power forward position is uncertain, but for the time being it looks like head coach Doc Rivers trusts the veteran in the starting lineup.

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