LOS ANGELES – Chris Paul had 25 points and 11 assists to lead Los Angeles, and the Clippers survived a scare from the Antony Davis-less New Orleans Pelicans 114-111 in overtime to extend their winning-streak to a season-high nine games on Sunday at Staples Center.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Los Angeles Clippers hung on to extend their season-high winning-streak to nine games, but this one was by far the hardest challenge of them all.
Los Angeles struggled early in the rare Sunday afternoon matinee which came on the second day of a back-to-back after they defeated the Charlotte Hornets 24 hours earlier.
The Clippers looked sluggish at the start of the game, and trailed 24-19 after the first quarter. Chris Paul took control in the second quarter and the Clippers caught fire, scoring 37 points to take three-point lead into the locker room.
Lob City led by as many as 12 points in the fourth quarter, but the Pelicans closed out the final frame on a 12-to-4 run to send the game to overtime.
J.J. Redick had an opportunity to end the game in regulation for Los Angeles, but he missed the second of two free throws with the Clippers up 3 points. With one second left in the game, Austin Rivers, horrifically fouled Jrue Holiday on a three-point attempt and the Pelicans point guard made all three free throws.
Chris Paul put his foot on the gas in overtime, and the Clippers built a five-point lead with just over a minute remaining. The game turned into a convoluted game of chess as head coaches Doc Rivers and Alvin Gentry took turns sending each other to the free-throw line where the Clippers made just enough shots from the charity stripe to seal the deal and extend their winning-streak to nine games.
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The Pelicans back court, led by Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday led New Orleans with 26 and 29 points respectively.
Paul led the Clippers with 25 points and 11 assists. Jamal Crawford contributed 21 points off the bench and continued to rise up the NBA's all-time scoring ranks. In total, seven different players scored in double figures for Los Angeles.
TURNING POINT
With 0:38 seconds left in the game, and Pelicans guard Tyreke Evans at the free throw line, Doc Rivers took out DeAndre Jordan so New Orleans could not foul him. With the worst free throw shooter off the floor, the Clippers were able to seal the victory.
MVP OF THE GAME
Chris Paul. For the second game in a row, the Clippers floor general has asserted himself when the team needed him the most.
STAT OF THE NIGHT
Jamal Crawford passed Hall of Famer Joe Dumars and two-time All-Star Jerry Stackhouse for 93rd on NBA's All-Time scoring list.
TWEET OF THE NIGHT
Clippers shooting late game free throws like https://t.co/d6MzFiVFnb — Clips Nation (@ClipsNationSBN) January 10, 2016
"DOH!"
PHOTO OF THE NIGHT
Clips keep winning! CP3 drops 25 Pts and 11 dimes as Clippers beat Pelicans in OT to win their 9th game in a row. pic.twitter.com/qgEn8p1J6k — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 10, 2016
The stare.
QUOTE OF THE NIGHT
"AD [Anthony Davis] didn't play so I thought there team played extremely spirited." – Clippers head coach Doc Rivers on the play of the New Orleans Pelicans.
NOTES
The Clippers are now 2-0 in overtime games this season…Chris Paul scored 25 points or more in back-to-back games for the first time this season. Luc Mbah a Moute was a perfect 6-of-6 from the field… Wesley Johnson had a career-high five steals in the game…DeAndre Jordan recorded his 8th consecutive double-double with Blake Griffin out of the lineup…Griffin has missed the Clippers last 8 games with a torn quadriceps injury…New Orleans all-star forward, Anthony Davis, did not play for the Pelicans.
RECORD
New Orleans Pelicans (11-25, 4-16 on the road) last in Southwest Division.
Los Angeles Clippers (25-13, 13-6 at home) 2nd in Pacific Division.
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Pelicans will stay in Los Angeles to watch the College Football National Championship game on Monday night before taking on the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday at Staples Center.
The Clippers continue their home stand and look to extend their winning-streak to 10 games when they host the Miami Heat on Wednesday night at 7:30PM.
