Clippers Crush Jazz, 88-72

The visiting Los Angeles Clippers took down the Utah Jazz on Monday, 88-72. Los
Angeles (34-21) passed Utah in the standings with the win, claiming fourth place
in the Western Conference. Superstar Chris Paul remains sidelined with a thumb
injury, but LA has managed to win three straight in his absence. One of the keys
to the Clippers’ success has been the strong play of star forward Blake Griffin.
Griffin led the team with 26 points on Monday, also notching 10 rebounds and six
assists. Griffin was the key to the Clippers’ offense in what was a slow-paced
and defense-dominated game. LA was able to shoot 44 percent from the field, far
ahead of the dismal 33 percent managed by Utah. Utah (34-22) is trending in the
opposite direction of LA, as the team has now lost three contests in a row.
Monday was a particularly poor showing for the Jazz, as the team saw its lowest
offensive output of the season. Only three team members scored in double figures
and the high scorer was forward Derrick Favors with just 13. All-Star Gordon
Hayward, meanwhile, fell completely flat, scoring only seven points on 2-of-12
shooting. The Jazz had plenty of second chances on Monday, as center Rudy Gobert
came down with eight offensive rebounds. Nevertheless, the team still struggled
to find the basket. The Clippers will host the Hawks on Wednesday, while the
Jazz will host the Trail Blazers.