Los Angeles Clippers: 3 Takeaways From Tough Game 4 Loss

Mar 29, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Staples Center. The Clippers won 133-124. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Staples Center. The Clippers won 133-124. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 23, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) and Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) celebrate after a Johnson three-point basket during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 4 at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz won the game 105-98. Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports.
Apr 23, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) and Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) celebrate after a Johnson three-point basket during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 4 at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz won the game 105-98. Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports. /

The Los Angeles Clippers reclaimed home-court advantage in Game 3 and looked to build on that entering Game 4. However, they instead lost ground after a 105-98 defeat that tied the series at 2-2.

The Los Angeles Clippers managed to win their first game in Utah in this series and took a 2-1 advantage heading into Game 4.

Although Blake Griffin‘s absence was undoubtedly a huge blow, the Clippers kept the game close for most of the night and held an 87-80 lead with 7:37 left in the game.

Unfortunately for Clippers fans, the Utah Jazz fought back to win as they controlled the game down the stretch. Their 105-98 victory knotted the series up at 2-2 as both teams head back to Los Angeles.

Although the Clippers will not return to Los Angeles with a 3-1 series lead, there were some positive signs from this game in addition to the negatives.

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The Clippers will have to build on those successes and look to shore up some of their weak points from this game as they prepare for a series defining Game 5 at Staples Center.