RECAP: LA Clippers Dominate Oklahoma City In 122-105 Win; LAC 1-0
The Los Angeles Clippers took hold of the Western Conference semifinals in dominating fashion with a 122-105 statement win against Oklahoma City in Game 1. Chris Paul was simply unstoppable with a team-high 32 points and 10 assists for the Clippers. Paul shot 8-for-9 from the three-point line, five of which came in the first quarter.
The Clippers showed why they finished as the highest-rated efficiency offense in the NBA this season, scoring 39 first quarter points and scoring 104 points through three quarters. Paul’s hot shooting helped create a flurry of offensive momentum along with Blake Griffin’s 23 points and Jamal Crawford’s 17 points off the bench. Oklahoma City won the rebounding battle (47-31) but the Clippers shot an astounding 15-for-29 from three (15-29) and out-assisted the Thunder 26-17 by creating better shots for each other in the half court. The Thunder also committed more frequent turnovers (17) than the Clippers (8) at points when they needed quality possessions.
Russell Westbrook had a team-high 29 points for Oklahoma City. Kevin Durant, who is set to receive his MVP award on Tuesday, finished with 25 points in Game 1.
Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals will be on Wednesday at 9:30 PM EST on TNT.
