Blake Griffin’s buzzer-beater lifts Clippers past Suns, 121-120, in OT

The Clippers extended their winning streak to eight after beating the Phoenix Suns on Monday in overtime, 121-120.

It wasn’t easy -- the game featured 17 lead changes and 15 ties in the Clippers’ first 53-minute game this season.

With one second remaining in overtime, Blake Griffin made a three-pointer to give the Clippers the win. He scored seven points in overtime, finishing with 45 points in just over 42 minutes on 14 for 24 shooting.

The Clippers entered the fourth quarter with a nine-point lead, which Phoenix quickly erased after Eric Bledsoe scored eight consecutive points in the first three minutes of the period. With the game tied at 112-112 with 1.8 seconds left, Bledsoe blocked a layup attempt by Chris Paul to send the game into overtime.

Griffin was all over the place Monday, attempting to take charges, grabbing eight rebounds, dishing out two assists and making both of his three-point attempts.

With the win, the Clippers have won 10 of their last 11 games.

Chris Paul had 20 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. J.J. Redick had 17 points and DeAndre Jordan had 10 points and 14 rebounds.

Jamal Crawford got ejected from the game in the fourth quarter. It was the first career ejection for Crawford in 976 games. He had nine points and three assists.

The Suns outshot the Clippers from the field 48.4% to 45.8% and from the three-point line, 43.2% to 29% -- but the Clippers made the three-pointer that really counted. Also the Clippers bested the Suns on the boards, 45-43.

Bledsoe led the Suns with 27 points and 16 assists.

The Clippers leave for a three-game trip Tuesday, during which they play at Indiana, Washington and Milwuakee. On their last trip, they won six of seven games, setting a new franchise record.

Follow Melissa Rohlin on Twitter @melissarohlin