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; LA Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) shoots the ball over Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) during the third quarter 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; LA Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) shoots the ball over Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) during the third quarter in Game 4 at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz won the game 105-98. Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports.

No. 3: Jamal Crawford Breaks His Slump

Jamal Crawford had a rough start to the series against the Utah Jazz. The three-time Sixth Man of the Year did not live up to those standards for the Los Angeles Clippers in his first three games. Crawford shot 32.4 percent from the floor and missed all 11 of his shots from behind the arc.

Game 4 was a completely different story for J-Crossover. He put up 25 points on just 13 shots and made five of his seven attempts from deep. He started the game with five consecutive makes and put pressure on Utah’s defense from start to finish.

The absence of Blake Griffin will require other Clippers to fill the void he left behind on offense. Jamal Crawford showed Sunday night that he will be one of the players that will try to fill that gap.

If he can play more like he did Sunday night and less like he did to start the series, the Clippers going forward might be able to keep the game close when Chris Paul hits the bench.