Griffin rocks, Clippers roll

As debuts go, Blake Griffin’s was darned impressive.

Not just the 27 points. Not just the 12 rebounds. He plays so hard and he’s a leader out on the court. For the Clippers’ fans who were among the 3,200 in the Thomas & Mack Center, hope springs eternal in mid-July.

Griffin was easily the best player on the court as the Clippers beat the Lakers, 93-82. He was physical, as advertised. But he also showed a better jump shot than anyone expected.

“I’ve been working on it,” he said. “I know I need to get better, more consistent, with my shooting.”

He was 11 of 15 from the floor. That’s consistency.

He also appreciated the love from the fans.

“I didn’t expect this many people,” he said. “I heard them cheering for me and it made me feel good.”

In case you missed Griffin, the Clippers are back in the Mack Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. against New Orleans. He’s worth the $25 to see. Come October, it’ll cost you at least double.

JOHN GURZINSKI/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

NBA fans try to get a photo of their favorite players on Monday as the Los Angeles Clippers played the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA Summer League.