2017 NBA Playoffs Roundup, Day 4: Lowry Lives, Rondo Renaissance And Utah Misses Gobert
Lob City Strikes Back
A loss in Game 2 might have meant the end of the Lob City era. Instead, the Los Angeles Clippers lived up to their original nickname, taking advantage of Rudy Gobert’s absence like they should have in Game 1.
As it turns out, sometimes the key to success is simply remembering who you are.
The best SLAMS from DeAndre & Blake as @LAClippers take Game 2. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/D4TqpLMg8a
— NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2017
The Clippers outscored Utah 60-38 in points in the paint. They sucker-punched the Jazz right from the start, built an 11-point lead heading into the second quarter and finished the game with 10 dunks.
Blake Griffin had 24 points, DeAndre Jordan added 18 points and 15 boards and Chris Paul orchestrated the whole thing with 21 points and 10 dimes. For once, the Clippers found themselves on the receiving end of another team’s injury woes and for once, they took advantage of their superior standing.
Next: 2017 NBA Playoffs Roundup, Day 3
Now it’s a matter of whether or not Lob City has truly rediscovered its identity and can preserve its long-term future by continuing to capitalize on Gobert’s absence.