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NBA title is what matters, says Griffin

SINGAPORE — He may be one of the biggest names today in the NBA, but Blake Griffin believes all that means little if he does not finish his career with a Championship ring.

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (in white) dunks as Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel looks on during their NBA match in Los Angeles on Saturday. Photo: AP

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (in white) dunks as Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel looks on during their NBA match in Los Angeles on Saturday. Photo: AP

SINGAPORE — He may be one of the biggest names today in the NBA, but Blake Griffin believes all that means little if he does not finish his career with a Championship ring.

Now into his fifth season in the NBA, the Los Angeles Clippers star, regarded by many as the best power forward today, was the 2011 NBA Rookie of the Year, is already a four-time NBA All-Star and is expected to receive an invite to the upcoming All-Star game on Feb 15.

But in a teleconference with media from the Asia-Pacific region yesterday, Griffin acknowledged that the most important statistic is missing from his otherwise impressive track record so far.

“Everyone’s goal is to win a championship and mine is no different,” said the 25-year-old, the 2011 NBA Slam Dunk champion. “When I look back in 10 years, I hope that I can win multiple championships. When it comes down to it, winning is the biggest thing for me.”

Griffin will be hoping his wait for a first NBA Championship title will be sooner than later, and avoid joining the likes of Charles Barkley, John Stockton and Allen Iverson as some of the league’s most illustrious names never to have won a Championship ring.

But under new owner and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer — who replaced Donald Sterling, who was forced to quit last year for making racist remarks — good times could be just around the corner for the Clippers.

“It’s a different atmosphere, and I think everybody can see that,” said Griffin. “From top to bottom, it’s a different vibe. He kind of gave the franchise a bit of hope and a little fresh taste of everything.”

The change in leadership has also translated onto the court, with the Clippers boasting the fifth-best offence in the NBA league this season with an average of 106.5 points scored, with Griffin leading the team, scoring an average of 22.4 points per game.

With the Warriors beginning the season with an NBA-best record of 26 wins, five losses and the Clippers not far behind with 23 wins, 11 losses, the Western Conference rivals appear set to meet in the playoffs.

Griffin credits Clippers coach Doc Rivers for his rise, especially after an incident on Christmas Day in 2013 in which he had an on-court altercation with Golden State Warriors centre Andrew Bogut.

“Besides basketball knowledge and his experience, he brings a sense of leadership and it relates to you because he’s been through it all as a player and coach,” said Griffin.

But a recent report by NBA.com that said there was discord within the Clippers locker room had threatened to derail their quest for the NBA crown.

While Griffin did not address the issue, he insisted the Clippers can overcome their defensive woes — they have the 19th-worst record out of 30 teams with an average of 100 points let in per game — and extend their three-game winning streak when they face the Atlanta Hawks at the Staples Centre on Monday (this morning, Singapore time).

“We found our groove and defensively we had each other’s backs,” he said. “We just need to keep a good tempo and improve our offensive pace. If we continue to concentrate and play the right way, we’ll be fine.”

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