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Like any toe stub, the initial pain was much worse than the lingering ache. For the second time in the Jazz-Clippers series, a team suffered what should’ve been a devastating injury but was able to hang on for a win — Los Angeles taking a 2-1 series lead with an 111-106 win as Blake Griffin spent his second half icing up a bruised right toe. Griffin’s X-rays came back negative, and Clippers coach Doc Rivers said the team was waiting on a CAT scan they’d know more about on Saturday. But the encouraging X-ray results built hope that the five-time All-Star should be back on the court as the series continues — potentially a race between him and Jazz center Rudy Gobert for who comes back faster to help wrest control in the front court. Of course the Clippers passed a Griffin-less exam on Friday night with flying colors. “Sometimes you want it so much, I thought we were getting in our way at first,” Rivers said. “I thought in the second half, even though Blake wasn’t there, we hung in there.” Griffin started Game 3 much like his previous two outings in the series: firing. He was 5 for 9 with 11 points at the start, not quite wreaking the rim-attacking havoc he enjoyed in Game 2, but still steadily working Derrick Favors and Boris Diaw with jumpers from midrange and hitting a 3-pointer as well. But on a fast-break drive he cut back against Rodney Hood to get a finger roll. After the play, he limped, then eventually left the court during a timeout — not before slamming a hand on a chair in frustration. “I didn’t know he was hurt [at first]: I called a timeout, and I was looking for Blake, I didn’t know he had left the floor,” Rivers said. “I was just thinking, ‘Let’s get to halftime.’” By halftime, the word was back: Griffin’s injury, a bruised right toe, wasn’t a long-term concern, but it would keep him out the rest of the night. Mo Speights started the second half in Griffin’s stead, and performed sufficiently as L.A. closed the gap to just two points by the end of the third quarter. With 15 points, Luc Mbah a Moute helped pick up the scoring slack as well. But the big adjustment, Utah coach Quin Snyder said, was that Los Angeles went to more pick-and-roll plays behind Chris Paul. Utah struggled to defend him as the Clippers spread the floor. “It opens up the floor from a spacing standpoint. It’s a difficult cover. Try to give him some different looks. You just keep trying to keep competing.” Depth issues became apparent in the fourth, as the Clippers tried smaller lineups with Paul Pierce as a four. Joe Johnson was able to back down smaller defenders, either making shots out of his famous iso sets, or forcing the Clippers to collapse on him. But in the end, Utah’s own shortcomings in the front court cost the Jazz: While Johnson scored 15 points, Boris Diaw and Derrick Favors were nonfactors on offense, combining for five points. And Diaw and Favors combined to go 1 for 4 from the free-throw line at the final minute, which missed an opportunity to close the gap as Utah trailed. Snyder didn’t claw into his own team, however, citing Favors’ 38 minutes in the game. “He’s battling — it’s probably the kind of conditioning he’s in,” he said of Favors. “He’s playing hard. We’re asking a lot of him right now.” The Jazz might not be asking any less when Griffin returns, either. kgoon@sltrib.com Twitter: @kylegoon

In focus • Bruised toe sends star forward to bench.

By Kyle Goon: The Salt Lake Tribune
  | April 23, 2017, 3:14 a.m.
| Updated: Sep. 5, 2024, 9:27 a.m.

Like any toe stub, the initial pain was much worse than the lingering ache.

For the second time in the Jazz-Clippers series, a team suffered what should've been a devastating injury but was able to hang on for a win — Los Angeles taking a 2-1 series lead with an 111-106 win as Blake Griffin spent his second half icing up a bruised right toe.

Griffin's X-rays came back negative, and Clippers coach Doc Rivers said the team was waiting on a CAT scan they'd know more about on Saturday. But the encouraging X-ray results built hope that the five-time All-Star should be back on the court as the series continues — potentially a race between him and Jazz center Rudy Gobert for who comes back faster to help wrest control in the front court.

Of course the Clippers passed a Griffin-less exam on Friday night with flying colors.

"Sometimes you want it so much, I thought we were getting in our way at first," Rivers said. "I thought in the second half, even though Blake wasn't there, we hung in there."

Griffin started Game 3 much like his previous two outings in the series: firing.

He was 5 for 9 with 11 points at the start, not quite wreaking the rim-attacking havoc he enjoyed in Game 2, but still steadily working Derrick Favors and Boris Diaw with jumpers from midrange and hitting a 3-pointer as well.

But on a fast-break drive he cut back against Rodney Hood to get a finger roll. After the play, he limped, then eventually left the court during a timeout — not before slamming a hand on a chair in frustration.

"I didn't know he was hurt [at first]: I called a timeout, and I was looking for Blake, I didn't know he had left the floor," Rivers said. "I was just thinking, 'Let's get to halftime.'"

By halftime, the word was back: Griffin's injury, a bruised right toe, wasn't a long-term concern, but it would keep him out the rest of the night.

Mo Speights started the second half in Griffin's stead, and performed sufficiently as L.A. closed the gap to just two points by the end of the third quarter. With 15 points, Luc Mbah a Moute helped pick up the scoring slack as well.

But the big adjustment, Utah coach Quin Snyder said, was that Los Angeles went to more pick-and-roll plays behind Chris Paul. Utah struggled to defend him as the Clippers spread the floor.

"It opens up the floor from a spacing standpoint. It's a difficult cover. Try to give him some different looks. You just keep trying to keep competing."

Depth issues became apparent in the fourth, as the Clippers tried smaller lineups with Paul Pierce as a four. Joe Johnson was able to back down smaller defenders, either making shots out of his famous iso sets, or forcing the Clippers to collapse on him.

But in the end, Utah's own shortcomings in the front court cost the Jazz: While Johnson scored 15 points, Boris Diaw and Derrick Favors were nonfactors on offense, combining for five points. And Diaw and Favors combined to go 1 for 4 from the free-throw line at the final minute, which missed an opportunity to close the gap as Utah trailed.

Snyder didn't claw into his own team, however, citing Favors' 38 minutes in the game.

"He's battling — it's probably the kind of conditioning he's in," he said of Favors. "He's playing hard. We're asking a lot of him right now."

The Jazz might not be asking any less when Griffin returns, either.

kgoon@sltrib.com

Twitter: @kylegoon

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Jazz fans get the attention of some Clippers fans prior to Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Jazz fan Spencer Richards riffs off the "Homer" name-calling with his signs prior to Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Darren Wible from Layton strikes a pose prior to Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune l-r Brothers Justen Nuffer and David Nuffer get ready to celebrate David's birthday as "superfan" style as the Utah Jazz host the Los Angeles Clippers during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune The arena is filled with fans holding signs celebrating Homer Simpson signs as a result of Clippers player Chris Paul calling Jazz fans "homers" earlier in the week. The Utah Jazz host the Los Angeles Clippers during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) fires off a 3-pointer. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) calls the play. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) looks back after sinking a 3-pointer. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) hits the deck trying to get to the ball before LA Clippers guard JJ Redick (4). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) hits the deck trying to get to the ball before LA Clippers guard JJ Redick (4). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) denies LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) denies LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder during a timeout. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Fans pressure LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) at the line. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) and Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) after a timeout. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) and LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) fight for possession. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) denies LA Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) fires off a 3-pointer. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) battles LA Clippers guard JJ Redick (4) for a loose ball. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) stuffs the net. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) confers with referee Tony Brothers. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) drives to the net over LA Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3), Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) and Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) celebrate play in the first half. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) battles LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) under the net. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder argues a call. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) pulls in a loose ball. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the first quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Jazz fans pester LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) as he shoots free throws during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder barks instructions to his team during a first half time out as Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20), Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) and LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) battle for a loose ball during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) reaches for the ball after batting it from LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Jazz fans react to a made free throw during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Fans are excited for playoffs in Utah prior to Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) and LA Clippers guard JJ Redick (4) get tangled up fighting fvor a loose rebound during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) stops at the top of the key for a jumper during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Injured Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) sits on the edges of a Jazz time out during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) gets sandwiched between LA Clippers center Marreese Speights (5) and LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune LA Clippers guard Raymond Felton (2) complains to a referee about a foul call during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune LA Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) is forced to pass out from under the basket during first half play by the defense of Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6). Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) looks up after a foul call during first half play when LA eroded a large Utah lead. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) follows the flight of a 3-point attempt during first half play. Utah took a 58-49 lead at the half of Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series, Wednesday, April 19, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) stuffs the net over LA Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) and LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) reacts to his dunk over Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) celebrates his dunk with Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) stuffs the net over LA Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) and LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) celebrates play with Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during a timeout. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) celebrates a 3-point sink. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) tries to fire up his teammates. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) watched the game from the sidelines. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) questions the foul called on him. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder reacts to a foul called on Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) fouls LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) drives to the net around Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) denies LA Clippers center Marreese Speights (5) and takes possession. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33) denies LA Clippers center Marreese Speights (5). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) stuffs the net on Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) and LA Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) fight for a loose ball. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) battles LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) for the rebound. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) gets the foul on this play battling LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) and LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) gets the foul on this play battling LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) and LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune LA Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) drives to the net around Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) who was given a foul. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune LA Clippers center Marreese Speights (5) pressures Utah Jazz center Boris Diaw (33). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Jazz fans react to the lead slipping away in the fourth period. The LA Clippers won Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series 111-106, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz guard George Hill (3) scored 26 points and forward Gordon Hayward (20) scored 40 points. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune "Not so fast!" LA Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) put a stop to the Jazz' hopes in game 3. The LA Clippers won Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series 111-106, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder and Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2). The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) walks off the floor after missing two key free throws in the final minute of the game. The LA Clippers won Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series 111-106, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) walks off the floor after missing two key free throws in the final minute of the game. The LA Clippers won Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series 111-106, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) walks off the floor after the Jazz let a lead slip away and lost to the LA Clippers. The LA Clippers won Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series 111-106, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder discusses play with assistant coaches during a timeout. The Utah Jazz lead the Los Angeles Clippers after the third quarter during Game 3 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at Vivint Smart Home Arena, Friday, April 21, 2017.

Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune Jazz fans react as the Jazz lose to the Clippers at home. The LA Clippers won Game 3 of the Western Conference playoff series 111-106, Friday, April 21, 2017.

By Kyle Goon: The Salt Lake Tribune