Blake Griffin will be out at least two weeks after suffering a partially torn quad tendon. The Los Angeles Clippers announced that their star power forward suffered the injury during the team’s Christmas Day game against the Los Angeles Lakers. According to the press release, the injury occurred on a drive to the rim early in the game. Griffin did, however, play through the injury during that game, finishing with 36 minutes. According to the team, an MRI on Saturday revealed the injury and as a result Griffin will be out for at least two weeks at which time he will be reevaluated.
The injury comes as a big blow to the Clippers who have been disappointing to start the season. Billed as a title contender, the Clippers have not been able to gain any from of consistency, notching wins or close games against good teams but often losing to lesser competition.That has led to public comments from Griffin and point guard Chris Paul about the state of the team. Griffin has been arguably the best player on the team and his absence will surely have a largely negative impact on the Clippers.
Head coach Doc Rivers will likely look to players such as Josh Smith and Cole Aldrich to play more minutes in Griffin’s absence. Rivers will probably also play veteran small forward Paul Pierce in a new role as a stretch-four to lessen the blow. Nevertheless, the Clippers will have to work extra hard in order to win without Griffin. They have had a difficult time doing so even with their superstar.
