It's a clash of styles between Golden State, the highest-scoring team in the National Basketball Association at 115.9 points per game, and a Jazz squad that allowed the fewest points per game during the regular season (96.8). "But give them (Jazz) credit".
The Jazz next take on the well-rested Western Conference top seed Golden State Warriors in the conference semifinals starting on Tuesday in Oakland.
George Hill and Derrick Favors added 17 points apiece in Utah's first postseason victory since 2010.
Five-time NBA All-Star Griffin was sidelined previous year in a first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers with a quad injury.
For the Clippers, DeAndre Jordan netted 24 points and 17 rebounds while Jamal Crawford added 20 points. But the team persevered largely because of the play of Chris Paul.
At least not on Sunday afternoon, almost a full two days after the Clippers were supposed to be done, finished, as kaput as the Kings - those in Sacramento and Los Angeles.
"We didn't move the ball enough", Jordan said, "but they played great defense". This was the only first-round series to go the distance-a seven-game marathon decided by a total of eight points-and the deeper, younger and healthier Jazz simply held up better on the last leg. Or will they stick together for another season? Favors is listed as questionable for Game 1.
DeVos says she'll advocate for HBCUs
The system should also respect what she called a parents' "fundamental right to choose" what's best for their children. DeVos said she loves to visit schools and learn about innovative programs throughout the country.
"It's just Chris", Rivers said. There is fatigue, but there isn't much outside burden because not many expect the Jazz to upset the Warriors.
Utah has lost seven of its last eight games to the Warriors, including two of three this season. Warriors.com offers fans the only verified marketplace for all Warriors ticket needs, including official resale tickets from Season Ticket Holders and other fans, that is guaranteed by the Warriors organization.
Rivers started his second straight after missing the series' first four games while being out with a strained left hamstring. Both teams had one player named to the All-Star team, and they've each dealt with major injuries this series.
For 2017, I can't see the Jazz winning this series. Luc Mbah a Moute also scored 9 points to go along with Paul's 15 points in the first half. JJ provided one strong game amid six terrible ones, and this underachieving might throw his future on the Clippers into doubt. If he re-signs, he would nearly certainly come back to a roster that's as thin or thinner than this year's group, with yet another batch of minimum-salaried reserves filling out the rotation. "My job is to come in, try to make sure I'm in the best shape possible, try to lead our team, and stuff like that".
Apparently, that's logical. Or at least that's logical when you're a playoff-cursed franchise that, as its official in-game mascot, selected a bird that expertly reflects your postseason history.
What happens today, to be certain, is enormous and not just as it relates to the next playoff round.
We know it's time for the Los Angeles Clippers to blow it all up.
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