|
 Forward Blake Griffin scored 24 points and point guard Chris Paul
added 21 points and 10 assists, leading the Clippers to a 117-105
romp over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night at Staples Center.
The Clippers (57-24) set a franchise record for wins in a season,
topping last season's mark of 56. They also completed their best run
at home, finishing 34-7.
"We were a part of that last year, at least me and Blake were, and
we lost in the first round, so it's all good and well, but I think
we're at a point now it's all about the postseason," Paul said.
Added Clippers coach Doc Rivers, "It's nice, don't get me wrong. I'm
happy that we're doing this stuff, but it's not what we want. To get
what you want, sometimes you get other stuff, I guess, is the best
way to say it. Like I said before the game, winning the division is
part of the stuff you get in the march to what you really want."
Los Angeles ends its regular-season march against the Trail Blazers
on Wednesday night. The Clippers, currently in the No. 3 position in
the Western Conference, could rise to No. 2 if they earn a win at
Portland and the Oklahoma City Thunder lose at home to the Detroit
Pistons. However, that too seemed to matter little to the Clippers.
Griffin probably won't play in Portland after picking up his 16th
technical foul of the season, generating an automatic one-game
suspension if it isn't rescinded.
"It doesn't matter anyway," Rivers said. "Worst case he's suspended
for one game, but we're not going to bring him tomorrow anyways."
The technical was called at 3:23 of the second period, but it
factored little in the outcome.
Paul set the tone early, sparking the Clippers to a 13-0 lead three
minutes into the contest. He scored 13 of his 17 first-half points
in the first quarter, staking Los Angeles to a 38-26 heading into
the second. The Clippers led by as much as 19 in the first half
before taking a 63-46 lead into intermission. Paul hit six of eight
shots, including three of five 3-pointers, in 18 minutes during the
opening half.
Denver closed within 89-84 on a jumper by forward Jan Vesely in the
opening minutes of the final period, but Los Angeles' reserves kept
the Nuggets at bay.
"This was a good win for us tonight," said Paul, who might be held
out of the Portland game, too.
Denver (36-45) fell for the fourth consecutive time to the Clippers
at Staples.
[to top of second column] |
"They have chemistry," said Nuggets guard Randy Foye, who scored
11 points, handed out seven assists and recorded four steals.
"They've built chemistry over the years. Chris Paul is obviously the
engine that makes them go. Blake Griffin is right there, neck and
neck with him. They have chemistry together, and it's going to be
hard to beat them (in the playoffs)."
Rivers sat Griffin, Paul and guard J.J. Redick in the fourth
quarter. Redick scored 18 points, hitting four of six 3-point
attempts. Clippers center DeAndre Jordan finished with 13 points and
16 rebounds.
All five Denver starters scored in double figures, led by forward
Kenneth Faried, who had 21 points. Guard Aaron Brooks finished with
19 points, while center Timofey Mozgov had 18 points and 11
rebounds.
"We were rattled at the beginning of the game," Denver coach Brian
Shaw said. "We couldn't settle down and they jumped out to that big
lead, and it was just too much for us."
NOTES: Injured Clippers F Danny Granger may return to practice
Thursday or Friday, coach Doc Rivers said. If so, Granger could be
ready for the playoffs this weekend. Granger missed his eighth
consecutive game Tuesday due to a strained left hamstring. ...
Rivers will rest G J.J. Redick, who has endured an assortment of
injuries this season, when the Clippers visit the Portland Trail
Blazers on Wednesday. ... Denver coach Brian Shaw identified C
Timofey Mozgov as the club's biggest surprise this season. "I feel
like he's a diamond in the rough. He brings a lot of things to the
table," Shaw said. ... Nuggets F Anthony Randolph sat out his second
game in a row for personal reasons. ... Denver closes out its season
at home Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors.
[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |
