Blake Griffin sustained a partially torn left quad tendon during this game against the Lakers on Christmas night/AP photo by Chris Carlson
The L.A. Clippers are 5-0 since leading scorer Blake Griffin was injured on Christmas night playing against the Lakers.
How can that be? Point guard Chris Paul was asked Monday at practice.
“I think everybody realizes that there is less room for error, we realize we really have to play together, gotta share the ball and I think that’s what’s been happening,” he said.
Paul seemed like he wasn’t really sure. Coach Doc Rivers isn’t 100 percent certain of why, either.
“I don’t actually know the answer,” said Rivers, whose team has won six in a row overall. “I just know that I think our guys do a good job of not focusing on the injury and focusing on the guys that are playing. I don’t talk about it, I don’t mention it and I never have. But I’ve always thought it was healthier that way. I think we have a great no-excuse mentality and I think that’s served us well over the years.”
Common sense insists it has to be more than that. But that’s what the Clippers are giving up at this time. One thing is certain, Griffin will be back soon. His return won’t be Wednesday at Portland, but it could be either Saturday or Sunday when the Clippers host Charlotte and New Orleans, respectively.
Can the Clippers (22-13) take anything they have learned from playing without Griffin and use it once he’s back? Paul fielded that one.
“Sort of a wait-and-see thing,” he said. “We know this isn’t truly our team. Our team, you know, Blake is our go-to guy, who we try to find all the time. But what it can do is prepare us for games that Blake might get into foul trouble.
“And I think what it does right now is it gives other guys confidence, so that when Blake does come back, guys sort of have a rhythm.”
The Clippers went 9-6 without Griffin when he was hurt this past season.
Griffin is averaging 23.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists.
