J.J. Redick returns in Clippers’ win over Utah Jazz, 103-99
It didn’t take long for J.J. Redick to score his first basket Wednesday night, and the Clippers shooting guard did it in a way he typically has used in his seven-year career — by moving without the ball.
Redick had missed the first six Clippers exhibition games while recovering from a partially torn left quadriceps, an injury that kept him from practicing for two weeks.
He had 14 points in 19 minutes 49 seconds during the Clippers’ 103-99 victory over the Utah Jazz at Staples Center.
He was four for 12 from the field, three for seven from three-point range.
Redick’s first basket came after he curled off a DeAndre Jordan screen down low. Chris Paul (14 points, 10 assists) passed to Redick, who took one dribble and pulled up for a 19-foot jumper that hit with 10:52 left in the first quarter.
Redick shot an airball on his second shot, but his third shot was a three-pointer off
a pass from Paul, also in the first quarter.
“It felt good to play,” Redick said. “It was good to be part of the game. It’s frustrating to watch six games. I have a little ways to go cardio-wise.”
Playmaker Griffin
Though Clippers Coach Doc Rivers said he has “great confidence” in Blake Griffin’s shot, Rivers also said he has faith in his power forward’s ability to make plays.
Griffin averaged 3.7 assists per game last season, second-best on the team behind Paul’s 9.7.
Griffin had two assists against the Jazz to go along with 15 points.
“I have probably more confidence in his playmaking,” Rivers said.
“I think he’s a terrific playmaker with the ball. I think after Chris, he may be our second-best playmaker, passer, and we want to play through him in that way as well.”
Barnes update
Rivers said Matt Barnes hasn’t practiced enough “to call it a practice” this week, but the hope is that the 6-foot-7 small forward will be available to practice Thursday.
The coach said that if Barnes can’t practice then, they’ll wait until this weekend in hopes that Barnes can play in the season opener against the Lakers on Tuesday night.
Rookie Reggie Bullock also played in his first ex-hibition game after missing time because of an injured right knee. Bullock didn’t score.
Twitter: @BA_Turner
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