Los Angeles Clippers: 3 Takeaways From Brutal Game 5 Loss

April 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) reacts while watching game action against the Utah Jazz during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 4

Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert is the only player close to the glass on this play. This was, unfortunately, a common occurrence for the Los Angeles Clippers. Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports. /

2: Battle On The Glass

The Los Angeles Clippers clearly missed Blake Griffin on offense Tuesday night. However, they may have missed him even more in the rebounding department. Utah out-rebounded the Clippers 43-34 and more than doubled their offensive rebounding total.

DeAndre Jordan was frequently the only Clipper big in the paint.

In a series of low-scoring affairs (the Clippers have only topped 100 points once in this series), the extra possessions granted by hitting the glass are more important than ever. Jordan had 12 rebounds, below his season average; no other Clipper had more than four.

The ability to grab rebounds not only affects the possession count, but also an even more important facet of the game that the Clippers have yet to control. With a do-or-die Game 6 ahead, this last factor will be vital to the Clippers’ chances.

Home/LA Clippers