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 /

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LA Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) reacts to beating the Utah Jazz 111-106 in game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports. /

No. 4: Luc Mbah a Moute’s Tale Of Two Halves

The fifth starter for the Los Angeles Clippers had a rough start to the game last night. Gordon Hayward scored 25 points in the half, including 21 in the first quarter, after Luc Richard Mbah a Moute kept Hayward mostly in check for the first two games.

Mbah a Moute isn’t on the floor for his offensive prowess, but he struggled on that end, as well, in the first half. He only managed to score two points on four shots.

Mbah a Moute looked lost on both ends of the floor and appeared to be wilting under the immense task of keeping a red-hot Hayward in check.

Mbah a Moute then flipped the script completely in a fantastic second half. He scored 13 points on just five shots and played fantastic defense on Hayward down the stretch.

Mbah a Moute may not be as important to the Clippers’ success as the other four starters, but his much-improved offense and elite wing defense make him a key cog in their incredible starting unit.

The Clippers will need Mbah a Moute to continue to play like he did in the second half to keep Utah out of reach in this series.

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