Five things to take from Clippers’ 102-100 victory over Indiana Pacers

DeAndre Jordan had 23 rebounds and two blocks in Wednesday’s 102-100 victory over the Indiana Pacers/Photo by Associated Press

 

– The Clippers out-rebounded the Pacers 51-43. It’s interesting to note that DeAndre Jordan and Blake Griffin combined for 39 of those 51 rebounds. Jordan had 23 and Griffin 16. What’s really  key here is that Griffin went into the game averaging only 7.3 rebounds this season, well below his career average of 9.9. He needs to get more rebounds. The 16 is a good start. He had just two rebounds in 37 minutes of a loss last week at Washington. Two measly rebounds. That should never happen. His average is now up to 7.7 after Wednesday.

– Jordan is having another poor season at the free-throw line. Before Wednesday, he was shooting 44.2 percent. He held true to that by making 7 of 15 from the line in this one. But it should also be pointed out that Jordan made two very clutch free throws with 3:34 to play that gave the Clippers a 1-point lead (93-93) after they had fallen behind 89-83 with 7 1/2 minutes to play. Oh, by the way, Jordan’s average is now 44.5.

– Coach Doc Rivers said post-game that the team is missing not having the services of backup post Spencer Hawes, who sat out his third consecutive game with a bruised left knee sustained Dec. 12 at Washington. Hawes’ knee is apparently progressing, Rivers said, but there is no timetable for his return.

– It’s a bit worrisome that the Clippers at times have difficulty putting away inferior teams. We’ve talked about them having a sort of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality. At times they look great, at times they don’t. But the Pacers are playing hard for coach Frank Vogel and this is the NBA, where anything can happen on a given night. Vogel talked before the game about how his players are staying engaged and believing in one another. Afterward, Rivers complimented the Pacers on how hard they played.

– The Clippers did not have a good night at the free-throw line, and Jordan was largely responsible. They shot just 62.2 percent (28 of 45), and that is not something they are going to be able to get away with very often. However, it fairness, the Clippers are actually shooting better from the line this season than they did a season ago. In 2013-14 they were 26th in the league with a percentage of 73.1. This season they are shooting 76.0 percent, 14th in the NBA.