Los Angeles Lakers: 5 takeaways from opening night loss to Clippers

3 of 6

LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 19: Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 19, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Blake Griffin Plays Really Well

The Lakers received a full dose of Blake Griffin tonight. With Chris Paul moving on, and Griffin receiving a monster contract in the offseason, this is now his team and he made sure the Lakers knew it.

Griffin was dominant from the opening tip for the Clippers. The Lakers had no answer for him as he dominated on both ends of the court. On offense, the Lakers were unable to slow him down. Larry Nance Jr. received the first crack at him and Griffin was unstoppable.

Griffin shot 12-of-23 from the field, including an impressive 3-of-6 from deep. He scored with ease from virtually everywhere on the court, leading to a game-high 29 points. He provided multiple highlight plays, adding three assists as well.

Defensively he also made an impact with two steals. He also added 12 rebounds to his stat line, 10 of which were on defense. His plus/minus ratio of +20 was tied for the highest mark in the game.

With Paul out of Los Angeles, more responsibility to will fall upon Griffin. Through one game, he looks like he is up for the task.

Home/Lakers News