Coming off of a six game losing streak, DeAndre Jordan had a big game for the L.A. Clippers with nine points, 20 rebounds, three blocks and a pair of assists to help L.A. defeat the Phoenix Suns. A much tougher and healthier opponent marched into Staples Center two days later in the Memphis Grizzlies, but once again, DeAndre Jordan led the way with 18 points, 20 rebounds, and two blocks. After having just five rebounds in the first half while Memphis build a lead as big as 13 points, Jordan cleaned up the glass with nine rebounds in the third quarter alone as the Clippers outscored the Grizzlies 36-22 to take an 89-85 lead into the fourth period.
While coming up with his second straight game of at least 20 rebounds, Jordan tied Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal‘s career-mark of 35 games with at least 20 rebounds, which is 10th most since 1963-64.
Ironically, head coach Doc Rivers compared his big man to Shaq after the game, saying Jordan creates a similar problem for opponents when his guards drive to the basket.
“One of the things that we thought after coming back from the trip, we had DeAndre Jordan setting picks and catching the ball at the top of the key too much, especially in transition,” said Rivers. “If you notice, Luc [Mbah a Moute] was setting picks and DeAndre was under the basket.
“DeAndre is like Shaq in some ways. If our guards get to the basket, if you help off of DeAndre, we throw it up to the rim, and he is going to get a dunk. if you don't help, we get the layup and I thought that really helped us tonight.”
Another 20 rebound game would lift him past O'Neal and tie him with Kevin Garnett for ninth place. Jordan could have a tough time doing that against DeMarcus Cousins and the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.
Follow Us
Subscribe