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The Los Angeles Clippers have started rounding into form in the last month, and this is impressive considering that Blake Griffin has been out for five games with a quadriceps injury suffered on Christmas Day. They are on a six-game winning streak that has put them in decent position in the Western Conference standings.
But the problem with their recent success has been the level of competition. Games against the Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers aren’t exactly difficult wins for the Clips. Chris Paul and J.J. Redick have stepped up in Griffin’s absence, but they might be learning habits now that affect them in a negative way during the playoffs.
“There’s always a chance you try to do too much,” Redick said to NBA.com. “We’re never going to make up for Blake’s production with one guy. So it’s kind of like by committee. But I think somebody said it best after the Utah game — it’s about starring in your role…that’s kind of what we need. Whether it’s Blake going down, I missed a few games, Chris missed a few games earlier. That’s got to be the mindset — you’ve just got to star in your role.”
Ultimately, this feels like fool’s gold for the Clippers, and they aren’t likely to be heavily tested in any of their upcoming games. They next face the Portland Trail Blazers, Hornets, Pelicans, Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets. And to be honest, the only teams on that list who should give Los Angeles any fear are Dwyane Wade‘s squad and James Harden‘s, and both of those franchises have had issues to start the season. The Clippers face their first real test of 2016 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Jan. 21, and that is when they will either be exposed as a fringe team or revealed as a true contender.
Maybe the Clippers will prove this theory wrong and finally make it to the Western Conference Finals, but the more probable result is another early playoff exit and summer of chaos.
Dave Daniels is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter: @AllDave_AllDay, like him on Facebook here or add him to your network on Google.
