The Clippers didn’t want to ask Chris Paul for more.
It was a clear strategy they tried to follow in the aftermath of Blake Griffin’s injury in their Christmas night win over the Lakers. They wanted to keep Paul’s minutes down, his usage down, his burdens down.
They couldn’t.
Injuries and circumstances have Paul headed to the All-Star Game in a need of a break – something he probably won’t be getting any time soon.
Since Griffin’s injury, Paul’s minutes, shots, points and usage rate have all gone up. Since Austin Rivers broke his hand 10 days ago, it’s only gotten worse.