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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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Dec 16, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) dribbles the ball up court 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 guard Chris Paul (3) dribbles the ball up court during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Paul

Without a doubt the leader of the Clippers, Chris Paul will need to step up even more than he does on a nightly basis. Paul will have to up his scoring numbers while also keeping his high-powered offense involved for the next month or so.

Paul is currently averaging 17.5 points per game and a team high 9.5 assists and and a league leading 2.3 steals per game. He has always been a pass-first, score-second type point guard but can score in bunches when called upon.

Well, he’s going to be called upon. Someone has to pick up those 21 points per game Griffin is leaving behind in his absence.

Paul will need to take on a burden that he is more than equipped to handle while Griffin is out. He has never been one to shy away from a challenge having, arguably, the biggest heart in the entire association.

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It will be interesting to see if Paul can keep the Clippers off to a good starting heading into the new calendar year. The Clippers will need to keep pace with the Warriors, Spurs and Rockets while Griffin is out and hope that he is only out for a maximum of six weeks.

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