Los Angeles Clippers: 5 Takeaways From Crucial Game 3 Win

April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) moves the ball against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20), guard George Hill (3) and forward Derrick Favors (15) during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) moves the ball against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20), guard George Hill (3) and forward Derrick Favors (15) during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Utah Jazz
Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) moves the ball against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20), guard George Hill (3) and forward Derrick Favors (15). Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports.

The Los Angeles Clippers came to Utah for a crucial Game 3 after a 1-1 split at Staples Center. They managed to win 111-106 in a close game with no shortage of heroics on either side.


The Los Angeles Clippers lost home court advantage to the Utah Jazz in Game 1 on a Joe Johnson buzzer-beater. Although the Clippers managed to secure a Game 2 victory, they entered Salt Lake City on Friday night for a series-defining game.

The Clippers started off slowly as Gordon Hayward personally matched the team’s scoring output in a 34-21 first quarter. After trailing by nine points at halftime, however, the Clippers finished the game strong.

While the Clippers may have managed to piece together a win, the news from the team wasn’t all positive. Nonetheless, they head into Game 4 with five key takeaways to watch for the rest of the series.

What were they?