NBA Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers Need More From Bench

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Gary A. Vasquez - USA TODAY Sports

Gary A. Vasquez – USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Clippers met with the Toronto Raptors on Saturday afternoon, in a game between two top teams in opposite conferences. The Raptors got big games from Kyle Lowry and Jonas Valanciunas, as well as an impressive effort from their bench. The Clippers also got good production from their starting unit, but Jamal Crawford was the only bench player to make his presence felt in the game. If the Clippers are to be successful this season, they will need a more well-rounded effort from their bench.

The Clippers have faced similar problems in the past, with Crawford being the only consistent scorer not in the starting lineup. The organization made moves to address that during the offseason by signing Spencer Hawes and Jordan Farmar. But Hawes has been injured as of late and Farmar has been unable to give the team consistent minutes. As a result, the Clippers had to leave their starting big men in for an extended period of time against the Raptors.

The Raptors have a very talented bench and were able to help secure the victory in the fourth quarter. Three of their bench players scored more than nine points, while only Crawford scored more than six on the Clippers. Glen Davis did put in a solid effort, but his 13 minutes were not enough of a breather for the Clippers big men.

The Clippers will need Hawes to get healthy, or else rely on some younger players to step up. It has been a problem for the team in the past, as has not being able to rely on their bench late into the season and in playoffs. They have a very talented starting five, but will need to be able to compete with the deeper benches in the league if they want a chance in the postseason.

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