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Los Angeles Clippers: 5 Takeaways From Crucial Game 3 Win

By Nicholas Agar-Johnson

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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Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers will spend a lot more time talking with forward Blake Griffin than he would have liked for the rest of the playoffs. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers will spend a lot more time talking with forward Blake Griffin than he would have liked for the rest of the playoffs. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports. /

No. 2: Blake Griffin Sustains Toe Injury

Blake Griffin was visibly frustrated as he checked out of the game last night with 3:18 left in the second quarter. The Clippers ruled him out with a bruised toe after initial X-rays revealed that the toe was not broken.

While he did miss the remainder of Game 3, the prognosis appeared to be positive in terms of the rest of the series.

The update this morning, however, was not positive:

While this injury might not have been the biggest story of this game when it happened last night, it certainly will be the most important issue for the Los Angeles Clippers to resolve going forward.

The Clippers managed to rally for a win in much the same way that Utah managed to win Game 1 after losing Rudy Gobert. However, this injury is devastating for Los Angeles both in terms of their second round odds and the immediate and long-term future.

With Griffin likely to decline his player option and enter free agency this summer, it’s possible that Griffin has played his last game for the Clippers.

However, this injury is devastating for Los Angeles both in terms of their second -round odds and in terms of their future. With Griffin likely to decline his player option and enter free agency this summer, it’s possible that he has played his last game for the Clippers.

The injury grew in importance after this morning’s news, but didn’t control the outcome of the game as much as two other star players.

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