Clippers' Paul getting back into a groove
"Obviously, we know all the general information – he's one of the best players in the league, a MVP candidate, all that," Jamal Crawford said. "But him being back, it puts us all in our natural positions. (Eric Bledsoe) gets to run his team with the second unit. I don't have to be a playmaker. It puts everybody back and brings a calming effect."
BARNES FIGHTING THROUGH PAIN
The padding protecting Matt Barnes' injured left hand keeps getting bigger, which keeps making shooting tougher.
Barnes, who shoots right-handed, hit just 28.8 percent from the field during the Grammy road trip and only 25 percent from 3-point range.
Barnes, who has an unconventional release thanks to an active left hand during his shot, said the brace is restrictive.
"It's difficult. My left hand is not where it's supposed to be anyways," Barnes said. "I'm still trying to figure that out."
Barnes said he knows it's something he's going to have to deal with for awhile.
"It keeps getting worse," he said Monday. "It's only going to get better if it doesn't get hit, and it's virtually impossible not to get hit with as aggressive as I am on rebounding and defense."
Dan Woike, OC Register
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I expected a bit more out of Blake in the postseason, but it was his first go around. I'm sure that he'll be more in-tune into what to expect. The injuries are something that I don't think a lot of people take into account. Paul hobbled into the playoffs only to re-injure himself against the Grizzlies. Blake's knee was not right and probably would have missed some time had it been the regular season. Butler was playing with a broken hand and Billups was rehabbing.
BG's has shown improvement on defense. Lately it's been lacking largely due to the hammy. As a result of the injury, it makes him look lazy and totally disinterested on that end of the floor. He shot 11% better at the foul line in the postseason than he did in the regular season. He's been trending upward as of late, so I'm hopeful that it continues on into the playoffs.
In a postgame interview, Paul said that team needs to focus on defense, because it is more of a constant. Some nights your shots won't fall, but you'll always have a chance if you play good defense. I'm not really concerned about the offense. Analysts focus on the offensive end a lot when talking about us. I'm looking at our defense and primarily on the perimeter. Oklahoma City, Golden State and San Antonio are the top 3 teams from deep. Miami is the 4th. I know that this team has high hopes, but playing exceptional perimeter D is something they're going to need in just about every round if they plan to go all of the way.
