Clippers' recent performance is making an impression

Clippers guard Jamal Crawford reacts after scoring a basket against the Washington Wizards at Staples Center.

By Broderick Turner

Jan. 31, 2014 11:40 AM PT

The Clippers, 11-3 since Chris Paul went down with a separated right shoulder on Jan. 3 in Dallas, have impressed many with their recent play.

They lead the Pacific Division and have the fourth-best record (33-16) in the tough Western Conference.

Reggie Miller, TNT’s NBA analyst who watched the Clippers play at Golden State on Thursday night, indicated that he liked what he saw out of the L.A. team despite their 111-92 loss to the Warriors.

“I think their schedule sets them up well,” Miller said during the game. “It wouldn’t shock me at all if they end up with the two seed in the West behind Oklahoma City.”

The Clippers are 1 1/2-games behind the San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers -- both of whom are 33-13 -- for the second-best record in the West.

The Clippers are five games behind the West-leading Oklahoma City Thunder, who have won nine games in a row and have the best record in the NBA, at 37-10.

The Clippers have a 3 1/2-game lead over the Phoenix Suns (28-18) in the Pacific Division and a four-game lead over the Warriors (28-19) in the division.

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broderick.turner@latimes.com
Twitter: @BA_Turner