Los Angeles Clippers: 5 Takeaways As Clippers Force Game 7

Apr 28, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) and guard Raymond Felton (2) celebrate during a time out against the Utah Jazz in game six of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

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Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford dribbles the ball while being guarded by Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert during the second quarter of Game 6. Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports. /

4. Clippers Win The Battle Of The Benches

The Clippers’ bench has been a thorn in their side on more than one occasion this season. They have struggled throughout the year, especially in comparison to the brilliance of their usual starting group. Given Utah’s remarkable depth and Austin Rivers’ promotion to the starting lineup, the bench minutes were a presumable loss for the Clippers.

Instead, the Clippers bench outscored the Jazz bench 26-20. Most of that production came from Jamal Crawford, who put up 12 points in 29 minutes, and Marreese Speights, who scored nine points in just 10 minutes. Paul Pierce added a critical three-pointer in the third quarter to tie the game. Los Angeles never trailed again after that basket.

The Clippers should not be relying on poor shooting nights from Joe Johnson (3-of-9) and Derrick Favors (1-of-6) in Game 7. However, if the Clippers bench can at least match the production from the Jazz bench, they will have a reasonable path to a Game 7 victory.

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