Blake Griffin, Jamal Crawford realize defense must improve

Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin/Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Clippers

 

The Clippers have not played well on defense in their first two exhibition games – both losses – but they know it. And that’s the first step toward doing something about it.

After his team allowed Portland to shoot 53.9 percent from the field, 68 percent (17 of 25) from 3-point range on Sunday in a 119-114 Trail Blazers victory, Clippers forward Blake Griffin spelled it out.

“Our whole thing is that we need to defend the 3 better,” he said. “They got some good looks. But, really, it was defense. We didn’t play well offensively, but it was really more defense than it was offense.”

The Clippers shot well from 3-point range as well, making 19 of 39 for 48.7 percent. But they shot just 43.6 percent overall.

Jamal Crawford, who scored a game-high 23 points Sunday, agreed with Griffin.

“… We’re still figuring things out,” he said. “It’s our second preseason game. I think offensively, we’re good. Defensively, we have to continue to get better. I think we’ll do that each time and then we’ll really hit our stride.”

The Clippers (0-2) play again tonight (Monday) at 6 at Utah (on Prime Ticket)