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Western Conference NBA Playoffs Preview – LA Clippers vs Utah Jazz

By Matthew Hallett

Mar 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) defend Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) under the basket in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Clippers won 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) defend Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) under the basket in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Clippers won 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard J.J. Redick (4) dribbles the ball defended by Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard J.J. Redick (4) dribbles the ball defended by Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports /

The X-Factor

Both starting units are strong in this NBA Playoffs match-up. An X-factor from the bench will go a long way to deciding games.

LA Clippers

The Clippers X-factor is one who has been so good for them off the bench for them for so long: Jamal Crawford. Instant Offense is a player who can take games away from the opposition when he is on. His 28 points in the last game of the series between the two teams was a deciding factor in the victory for the Clippers.

If he is healthy, Austin Rivers will be the X-factor for me in the series but a hamstring injury may have robbed us of his play.

Utah Jazz

With the next man up mentality of the Jazz, it is hard to separate the two X-factors for them. Fortunately they both have the same first name, Joe. The Jazz X-factors off the bench are Joe Johnson and Joe Ingles.

Johnson is an experienced All-Star who brings an element to the Jazz bench that has not been there for years. He is a proficient scorer and makes the right calls more often than not. He is getting on in years but still has plenty left to help the Jazz.

Ingles is an interesting case. With the arrival of Johnson, he was meant to fade into the depths of the bench. Thanks to the run of injuries and Ingles ability to morph himself into what the Jazz need at the time, his multi-dimensional play will be crucial for a series win.

MUST READ: An ode to a magnificent, terrifying regular season

Ingles was leading the NBA through the end of last year in three point percentage. Also, who can forget the games that he has played against the Golden State Warriors. He steps up when the team needs with what they need.

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