Stars, studs and duds: Jordan a beast for Clippers

The summer can’t get here soon enough for the Boston Celtics to attempt to address their need for a rim-protecting big man.

You can bet Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan will be among the players the Celtics feel out this summer when they will have some of the deepest pockets to spend money on free agents.

While Jordan is expected to re-sign with the Clippers, his return to La-La-land is far from a given.

His free throw shooting leaves a lot to be desired (he was 3-for-15 in the Clippers’ 119-106 win over Boston on Sunday), but there’s no denying his ability to impact a game.

You can add Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens to the long list of folks impressed with the 7-foot center’s game.

“I don’t think there’s any question he’s the best rim protector around,” Stevens said. “There’s a reason why he’ll be up for defensive player of the year in the league. His presence is felt when he’s on the floor.”

In Sunday’s loss to the Clippers, Los Angeles was plus-23 when Jordan was on the floor which was the highest plus-minus of anyone who saw action.

Jordan was just one of the many standout performers on Sunday.

 

And with that, here are the Stars, Studs and Duds from Sunday’s game:

 

STARS

Chris Paul

Golden State’s Stephen Curry may be having an MVP-like season, but Paul continues to assert himself as arguably the game’s most complete point guard. On Sunday he had 21 points on 5-for-9 shooting, in addition to tallying a game-high 10 assists and two steals.

J. J. Redick

His shot-making at the start of the game helped put the Celtics in a ditch that they were never able to fully climb their way out of as he finished with 27 points, 19 of which came in the first half.

 

STUDS 

DeAndre Jordan

He was a beast all night, tallying his 22nd straight double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds. If not for him missing 12 of 15 free throws, he would have easily been at the top of the list of stars tonight.

Isaiah Thomas

He’s starting to slowly but surely get back to his form prior to missing eight games with a back injury. Thomas led the Celtics with 19 points and seven assists without a single turnover.

Kelly Olynyk

He was instrumental in making the final score respectable, scoring all 14 of his points off the bench in the second half. 

Gigi Datome 

He continues to get the most out of his opportunities to play, tallying 12 points in 18 minutes on Sunday on 5-for-9 shooting from the field.

 

DUDS

Marcus Smart

The shooting slump continues for Boston’s promising rookie with Smart going scoreless in 18 minutes while missing all six of his shots from the field. It’s getting to the point where the Celtics have to give some thought to possibly have him come off the bench and either insert Isaiah Thomas or Jae Crowder (and move Evan Turner to the point) in the starting lineup.