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Doc Rivers says Blake Griffin leads by being a perfectionist

Chris Paul, second from left, and Blake Griffin, second from right, are the two unquestioned leaders of the Clippers, but they have different approaches to leading their team.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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Chris Paul and Blake Griffin have different leadership styles.

Paul is very vocal, constantly guiding his teammates and sharing his extensive knowledge of the game. Griffin, on the other hand, leads by example.

Before Monday’s practice, Griffin acknowledged that he’s a perfectionist, who comes down on himself hard for every perceived mistake.

Clippers Coach Doc Rivers eats it up.

“When the other players see that the best player isn’t satisfied, how can they ever be satisfied?” Rivers said.

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Griffin said he’s constantly chasing the elusive “perfect game,” though he knows it’s not in the realm of possibility.

“I never want to go into a game and be like, ‘I did good enough,’” Griffin said. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a game like that.”

Griffin said he’s always had that mentality.

It has helped him become one of the top players in the league, a perennial All-Star averaging 22.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists a game.

But it does have its downside.

“At times it can hurt you, clearly, but I’d rather have that than not,” Rivers said. “I love guys that chase perfection. Coaches do it every night, so it’s nice when players do it.”

Follow Melissa Rohlin on Twitter @melissarohlin

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