The usual progression doesn't apply when Chris Paul is out of a game, because the Clippers cannot rely exclusively on their backup point guards for their ballhandling needs.
Power forward Blake Griffin can grab a rebound and start a fastbreak. Small forward Lance Stephenson can dribble on the perimeter, probing the defense for an opening. Shooting guard Jamal Crawford's passing reflects that he was a starting point guard earlier in his career.
The Clippers' versatility handling the ball makes them seemingly well outfitted to sustain the loss of Paul with inflamed rib cartilage for what Coach Doc Rivers said would be "a couple of games for sure.