Although the Clippers eventually fell to the Spurs in Game 1 of last night's Western Conference semifinals, former Kentucky guard Eric Bledsoe put on a show. By this point you've probably already heard about his 23 point performance that allowed the Clippers to stay in the contest with the Spurs. His play last night is starting to cause some serious buzz among the media.
Malcom C. Brown of Sporting News is calling for Eric Bledsoe, normally a key contributor off the bench, to get the start in Game 2 of the series.
Chris Paul needs assistance, evident when he dribbles the ball for the majority of the shot clock leading to inexplicable jump shots from Blake Griffin. To whom can the Clips look?
Enter Eric Bledsoe. The X-factor of a struggling Clippers squad, Bledsoe erupted for 23 points in 27 minutes against the Spurs in Game 1. Bledsoe, John Wall's former backup at Kentucky, is capable of putting up efforts like that nightly, if he gets the minutes. The problem is, he hasn't been. Bledsoe is averaging just 15.5 minutes in the postseason.
Brown makes it clear in his article that he believes Bledsoe's performance so far in the playoffs has earned him a starting role. He even claims that the series will likely end in a 4-0 sweep if the change isn't made soon. Coming off of one of his best games as a pro, it will be interesting to see if the push for Bledsoe to crack the starting line up for the Clippers gains more steam.
In perhaps the most powerful line of the
piece by Brown, he simply states about Bledsoe:
"All he needs is an opportunity."
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