NBA Playoffs 2012: Role Players Who Must Step Up for LA Clippers in Game 7

Despite having a 3-1 lead in their first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Clippers will have to triumph in a decisive Game 7 on Sunday if they intend to advance to the next round. Nagging injuries to stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin leave the Clippers in a tough spot, but they are certainly more than a two-man operation.

Los Angeles went to great lengths this offseason to bring in plenty of depth to supplement its stars, so even with Paul and Griffin short of full strength, the Clippers undoubtedly have a chance to dispatch of the Grizzlies. Unless some of their supporting cast members come up big on Sunday, though, the season will end in disappointment.

Here are three role players who will need to step up with Paul and Griffin ailing in order for the Clips to nip the Grizz in Game 7.

DeAndre Jordan

Clippers center DeAndre Jordan isn't an offensive dynamo by any means, but his overall contributions to the game are extremely important to L.A.'s success. Jordan averaged over seven points, eight rebounds and two blocks per game during the regular season, but he simply hasn't been as effective against the Grizzlies' solid interior tandem of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph.

Jordan is putting up just four points and four rebounds per game during the series and simply hasn't been much of a factor. The Grizzlies have done an excellent job of scoring the job inside, but Jordan must be much better as a gatekeeper in Game 7.

Since the Clippers aren't likely to be as explosive on the offensive end with Paul and Griffin gimpy, L.A. must contest every basket and that begins with Jordan in the paint.

Mo Williams

Combo guard Mo Williams was a great offensive presence off the bench for the Clippers during the regular season as he averaged 13 points and three assists in less than 30 minutes per contest and while he has played a role in this series, he hasn't been quite as sharp.

Williams is dealing with an injury in his own right as he has fingers on his shooting hand taped and it has clearly affected his performance as he is averaging less than 10 points per game against the Grizzlies and shooting under 37 percent from the field.

Even when Paul and Griffin are at their best Williams is an important figure on the team. He is one of their best three-point shooters in terms of volume and is also a capable ball handler. His quickness makes him very tough to guard off the dribble, so Williams has to make life tough for Mike Conley.

The mere threat of Williams as a shooter makes him valuable and he'll have to knock some shots down in Game 7.

Randy Foye

Although he's more of a combo guard like Mo Williams, Randy Foye has a lot of experience playing point guard and that makes him a very important player on Sunday. Paul can't be expected to go wire to wire in Game 7 and Foye is going to have to be the guy who brings the ball up court and sets up the offense when Paul is resting.

Foye averaged 11 points and two helpers per game during the regular season, and while his scoring is down a bit against Memphis, he has been a vital contributor.

At 6'4", Foye is quite big for a ball-handling guard and the Clippers need to use that to their advantage. Mike Conley is a pretty good defender, but Foye is much bigger than him physically and should be able to push him around,

Foye is even useful as a two-guard when Paul is playing next to him, so he's going to have a say in how this game plays out whether he's good or bad on Sunday.

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