GAME 3 FEATURED MATCHUP: DEANDRE JORDAN VS MARC GASOL

After two games in the first round series between the Clippers and Grizzlies, there have already been a variety of storylines that have jumped off the page and proven significant in giving the Clippers a 2-0 edge heading into Game 3 in Memphis. From the bench’s game-changing performance in the first game to Chris Paul’s game-winner in Game 2, there’s been no shortage of excitement.

But through all of that, one thing has remained constant; the importance of the frontcourt for both teams with DeAndre Jordan and Marc Gasol playing pivotal roles in the physical battle on the block.

“It’s important to get a body on both of those dudes,” Jordan said after the second game, referring to Gasol and forward Zach Randolph. “They’re strong, physical. So, I feel like if we punch first and keep punching, we’ll be okay.”

DEANDRE JORDAN

So far the Clippers’ frontline has landed the harder blows after two games, winning the rebounding battle in both games including a dominating 47-23 performance in Game 1. Jordan has been a huge part of that as well, leading the Clippers in rebounding in both games.

He grabbed eight rebounds in the opener and also led the team with three offensive boards while playing 30:40. In Game 2 Jordan saw his playing time diminish but not his production. He tied for the team lead in rebounds with Blake Griffin, grabbing eight in just 23.58. He also had a team-high 20.5 total rebound percentage, which accounts for the percentage of available rebounds a player is responsible for while he is on the floor.

He has helped anchor a defense that set a new franchise playoff record with 10 blocked shots on Monday night with Jordan accounting for four of those swats to lead the team.

“That’s pretty good man (but) it shows that we’ve got to control penetration a little bit better,” Jordan said. “We all had each other’s back.”

MARC GASOL

Gasol had a better rebounding performance in Game 2 with seven boards compared to just two in the opener, but his value on offense has been vast as he has been the team’s second leading scorer after two games.

He scored 16 in the opener and showcased his brilliant passing as he led the team with seven assists. In Game 2, he punished the Clippers bigs for sagging off him by scoring with his midrange game en route to 17 points, eight in the third quarter.

“It’s tough,” Jordan said. “They have a great high-low game. When we’re in pick-and-rolls we have to hurry up and get back to the shooter and Blake or myself is rolling back and we’re already late getting out of the pick and roll. So it’s tough. You’ve got to give up something; you can’t take away everything.”

But Gasol’s skill should come to no surprise to the Clippers at this point. In four regular season games between the teams he averaged 16.8 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists a game. He nearly recorded a triple-double in the last regular season game between the teams, going for 18 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists in a 91-87 Clippers victory at FedEx Forum.

Jordan vs. Gasol 2012-13 Regular Season Statistical Comparison

*Player Efficiency Rating – Overall value of a player’s per-minute statistical production. League average is 15.00 every season.