Gordan Hayward dropped a career-high 40 points including 21 in the first quarter, but it was not enough. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Utah Jazz 111-106 behind a 34 point game and near triple-double from Chris Paul. It was not easy though. Blake Griffin exited the game early with a toe injury and the Jazz lead for most of the game, but Los Angeles prevailed on the road.
Blake Griffin apparently suffers an injury on this play and he knows it.
(Via @clippittv)pic.twitter.com/ZVJRPdt8Hy
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 22, 2017
Utah managed to have an advantage for most of the game, but faltered down the stretch. The Clippers destroyed the Jazz on the boards with a 41-27 advantage, largely due in part to the absence of Rudy Gobert. The interior of Boris Diaw and Derrick Favors was worked again, and this time without Griffin. The saving grace was the offensive output from Gordon Hayward and George Hill. Hayward’s big night stared off with a bang, but he did not score a basket in the 4th quarter until 11 seconds remained. Hill added 26 points on a very efficient 9-15 shooting, including 4-6 from three-point land.
Check out Gordon Hayward’s record first quarter!#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/Avh7jnbfsy
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 22, 2017
The story for Los Angeles was Chris Paul, who took over the game when it mattered most. Paul finished with 34 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists. He helped engineer a 15-0 run that put the Clippers up 103-96, and they never looked back. Griffin’s status is no known for Game 4, but x-rays that were taken at the arena came back negative. DeAndre Jordan chipped in 17 points and 13 rebounds while Luc Mbah a Moute had a career playoff-high 15 points. The Clippers clearly have the momentum and have a chance to take a commanding 3-1 lead.
Chris Paul splashes a 3 to give the #Clippers their first pk-callout in a longgg time
(via @clippittv)pic.twitter.com/X4YzrCKg78
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 22, 2017
So far this series has led to some very competitive basketball, as one would expect in the playoffs. Both teams have endured injuries and in those games pulled through for victory. The Jazz stole Game 1 at the Staples Center, but that is starting to feel like a distant memory. The loss of Gobert is too difficult to overcome, and there will be a greater sense of urgency heading into Game 4. It is disappointing that we likely will not get to see this Jazz team at full strength.
