The teams lights out shooter has struggled to get going against the Spurs often falling victim to the length of reigning DPOY Kawhi Leonard who's guarded Redick for much of the series. Game 3 proved to be the lowest point for J.J when he finished with 7 points on 2-7 shooting. This isn't what the Clips expect from one of their most important offensive contributors.
"Their team has done a really good job" said Redick. "they put the DPOY on me and it's been a challenge".
The fact that the J.J. is being guarded by the reigning DPOY speaks a lot about his value on that end. A solid argument could e made that he is the most important offensive player on the Clips' roster. The key that makes things tick. Redick's off the ball movement spaces the floor for Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan to go to work and it allows Chris Paul's pick and roll to be very deadly. He simply provides a new dimension to this offence since he's such a threat on the court. However, he seems to have been neutralized in this series against San Antonio.
"They've been in our airspace and have taken away the flow of our offense" said Redick.
The Clippers offense crumbled in game 3 against The Spurs, much of this is due to the cold shooting of Redick, his importance is immeasurable and for The Clippers to have a chance to take out San Antonio and escape the first round they must find away get J.J. going or the mountain they will have to climb may be too large.
J.J. is shooting 31 percent from the field through the 3 games of the series so far but despite the struggles of himself and the team as a whole he said "mentally" the team is in a "good place". This is encouraging news as the Clips will need to be mentally prepared for game 4 at the AT and T centre. If the Clips can win there then they go back to Staples with the series even and and chance to finish things off with home court advantage. If they lose then The Clippers might have dug themselves a hole to deep to climb out of because they' have to win 2 games straight against the defending champions to stay alive.
"Now is our chance to respond" said Doc. "We have to do it"
Game 4 may be the most important game in the Clippers' history and in order for them to "respond" they must get J.J back on form. If he is making shots and the ball is moving then the Clippers' offense goes back to the unstoppable, league leading force we're accustomed to.
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