LOS ANGELES – Chris Paul had 24 points and 15 assists as the Los Angeles Clippers hung on to beat the New York Knicks 101-94 on Friday night at Staples Center.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Clippers found themselves in a surprisingly competitive game down the stretch, despite leading by 15 points early in the third quarter. After leading by 11 at halftime, the Knicks came roaring back in the third quarter.
"We weren't executing," Paul said of the third quarter collapse. "Fouls and free throws. It seemed like they were going to the line all night. Especially in the third quarter."
Sasha Vujacic gave New York a brief one-point lead with six minutes remaining, but the Clippers pulled away down the stretch, handing the Knicks their fifth loss in their last seven games.
Rookie Kristap Porzingis led New York with 23 points and thrilled the crowd with a couple electrifying dunks. Carmelo Anthony had 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the loss.
Six players scored in double-figures for the Clippers. Chris Paul carried the load with 24 points and 15 assists, J.J. Redick had 20 and Jeff Green had 17 points.
Former Knicks, Cole Aldrich, Pablo Prigioni and Jamal Crawford all played in the game.
TURNING POINT
After Sasha Vucajic gave the Knicks the lead with just under six minutes remaining, J.J. Redick and Wesley Johnson hit back-to-back three-pointers stretching the Clippers lead to five.
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MVP OF THE GAME
Chris Paul. CP3 carried the load for the Clippers, scoring 22 points and dishing out 15 assists.
STAT OF THE NIGHT
DeAndre Jordan had 10 points and 18 rebounds, recording his 39th double-double of the season (third best in the NBA).
TWEET OF THE NIGHT
Robin Lopez just knocked out the Clippers Condor mascot. No surprise there, bc I would, too. — Chris Herring (@HerringWSJ) March 12, 2016
Poor Chuck, just a week on the job and he gets Robin Lopez.
PHOTO OF THE NIGHT
Levitate. pic.twitter.com/PqHhw8G3FK — LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 12, 2016
That's levitation, Holmes!
QUOTE OF THE NIGHT
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"We knew the guys over 6'7 were going to have to play a lot of minutes." - DeAndre Jordan on the Clippers lack of size and depth during the game.
NOTES
Wesley Johnson started over Paul Pierce who was given the night off…The Clippers have won seven consecutive games against the Knicks, the longest active streak over any team in the NBA…The Clippers have won 10 consecutive games following a loss this season…Blake Griffin did not play in the game, but was in attendance and on the bench with his team.
RECORD
New York Knicks (27-40, 11-22 on the road) 3rd in the Atlantic Division
Los Angeles Clippers (42-22, 22-11 at home) 2nd in the Pacific Division
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Knicks will hang around LA for the weekend before they play the Lakers on Sunday night at Staples Center.
The Clippers will host LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday afternoon at 12:30PM PST.
