Clippers clinch playoff spot with a 119-98 win over the Philadelphia 76ers

The Clippers won their sixth game in a row, beating the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, 119-98. With the win, they clinched a playoff spot for their fourth straight season.

The Clippers led by as much as 19 points in the first half, but saw their advantage cut to just eight at halftime, 62-54. They were quick to regain control, though, outscoring the 76ers in the third quarter, 32-14, to take a 26-point lead into the fourth quarter.

It was their seventh straight win over the 76ers.

The Clippers, who are in fifth place in the Western Conference, improved to 48-25. The 76ers, who are in second to last place in the East, fell to 18-55.

Blake Griffin did not play like himself in the first half, scoring only two points on one-for-three shooting. He finished with 10 points on five-for-eight shooting, five rebounds and eight assists.

The Clippers were led by Chris Paul, who had 25 points on nine for 15 shooting, including three three-pointers, and seven assists. J.J. Redick had 19 points. And DeAndre Jordan had 17 points and 20 rebounds.

The 76ers were led by Nerlens Noel, who had 30 points and 14 rebounds.

The Clippers are now 2-0 on their road trip, after beating the New York Knicks on Wednesday. They play at Boston on Sunday to conclude their three-game trip.