Rowan Kavner

This weekly series from Clippers.com features a Q&A with Clippers players, coaches, alumni or those who follow the Clippers’ organization closely. The next edition features forward Blake Griffin.

LOS ANGELES – The hardest part for Blake Griffin now is patience.

Griffin knows there’s not much time to ease back in with only 15 games left in the regular season, but after missing 15 games after elbow surgery to remove a staph infection, it could take some time to get his timing back.

The Clippers’ All-Star forward knew he wouldn’t be shooting much in his return to the lineup, particularly while he’s still getting the strength back in his arm. Griffin had 11 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists in his first game back, but he said he didn’t feel like he played well, mostly because he didn’t take care of the ball the way he would’ve liked to.

He talked about the challenges of returning off the surgery, how the team’s played without him and how he’s feeling after returning to the court.

How’d it feel getting back on the court?

BG: “I’m just glad to be back playing. It comes at a good time with us just being a little banged up.”

What did the elbow feel like the morning after your first game back?

BG: “Sore, but I expected to be sore, and I’m not as sore as I thought I was going to be. That’s encouraging for me.”

You said you’re at about 60 percent strength in your triceps. How tough does that make it to shoot?

BG: “Once that strength comes back, it’s just kind of working that back in. I don’t really know how to describe it. I shoot like a 10-foot shot, and it feels like I’m shooting a 15-foot shot, like I have to shoot that hard. Hopefully, that comes back quickly.”

What does the soreness feel like?

BG: “Mostly anything pushing down is kind of painful. I guess once that strength comes back in my tricep, it’ll take more pressure off my elbow. But it’s just kind of sore and tight.”

Is this the most bizarre injury you’ve ever had?

BG: “Absolutely. I don’t even call it an injury, to be honest. It just sucks that it’s an infection I had to sit out five weeks for and miss all this time. It’s definitely one of the weirdest things I’ve dealt with, but I’m glad it didn’t get further than it did.”

Is there any chance the infection can come back?

BG: “As far as I know, I have the same chance as everybody else. They got rid of it all. I don’t think I’m more susceptible now than I was before.”

What’d you think of the job the guys did without you?

BG: “They’ve played at such an unbelievable level almost all the way down the line. (Chris Paul)’s carried a huge load of scoring and passing. I’m just trying to relieve some pressure off of him and let him get the ball out of his hands a little bit so he’s not having to do everything.”

What’s the goal for the last 15 games?

BG: “Just be playing with a good pace and having consistency, no matter who we’re playing.”