Blake Griffin vs. Kevin Love: Why Blake Griffin Is the Better Power Forward

The Clippers fell to the Timberwolves last night, but oddly enough, that wasn't the main headline.

It was the battle of power forwards. Griffin versus Love.

The debate still rages on which one people would choose. However, last night's game did show some things that added new factors to the discussion.

Sure, one game may not be the biggest indicator, but it was clear that even though the Clippers lost, Griffin was not having a bad night. At all.

He was clearly the more effective player for the team last night. He nearly tripled Love's points and had the same amount of rebounds and more assists. He was an overall more efficient player yesterday.

But that isn't the best evidence. I mean, it's only one game. Let's look at their stats. I won't go too in depth with these because all of us have already heard it repeated.

Love has the edge in the offensive game just slightly. He is averaging 2.8 more points a game, which isn't that much. He also holds a rebounding edge with about 2.6 more a game. Once again, not that much.

The biggest gap between Love and Griffin right now would be the free throw category, which Love has an 83% in while Griffin has 55%. On from there, it is all Griffin.

Griffin holds the defensive advantage with a small edge over Love regarding blocks. Both are tied in steals with .5 a game, but Griffin's overall athleticism is why he wins this category. Griffin matches up with pretty much everybody on the court and can guard very well with his athletic ability. He could certainly become an even better defensive player if he works on it.

But let's back off the stats a bit. After all, numbers only tell half of the story. The other half is watching the games and seeing each players abilities.

One very noticeable difference in both players is the ability to create a shot. I know that sounds like a minor factor, but it is tremendously important. Griffin demands to be double teamed due to his superior moves at the rim. Love is not the biggest concern down low (offensively at least).

How about each man's ability to fire up the crowd? Once again, it sounds like a trivial stat, but has a huge impact on the game. Griffin wins easily in that category. Every time he gets a rebound or throws down a monstrous dunk, the crowd is on their feet. 

It all boils down to Griffin's biggest advantage: He has the higher ceiling by far.

When you look at Griffin's weaknesses, they are noticeably the free throw and the long range jumper. Two things that could easily be improved on with a decent work ethic, which Griffin has. Think about it. If he can improve in those two categories by a small amount, he becomes one of the most dynamic players in the NBA (if he isn't already).

Honestly, I think we have seen the most of what Kevin Love can do. Don't get me wrong, he is one of the best players in the NBA, but he has reached his ceiling. Griffin is almost identical to him in every category and is better than him in some. Griffin could easily outplay Love in a year, perhaps even this year.

If you're looking for a great player with even more potential, someone who you can build your franchise around, someone that you can ignite a fan base with, the answer is simple: Blake Griffin.