Clippers after deadline: Leftovers from 106-103 win against Houston
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It’s all over at Staples Center: Clippers 106, Houston 103.
Clippers guard Eric Gordon scored 24 points in his first game back after missing 18 with a right wrist injury. The recently acquired Mo Williams had 17 points and 11 assists in his home debut. Blake Griffin added 20 points and 14 rebounds. DeAndre Jordan put up eight points and 16 rebounds. And Chris Kaman finished with 21 points and nine rebounds off the bench.
The win snapped a five-game skid for the Clippers and snapped a five-game winning streak for Houston.
Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro on the keys to the win:
‘I thought we played really well considering we haven’t had one real practice together as a unit. It was nice to see Eric Gordon out there, it was nice to get Chris Kaman going a little bit tonight. I thought DeAndre Jordan did an excellent job controlling the paint for us with 16 rebounds. Blake Griffin was solid as usual.’
Del Negro on the bench performance: ‘I thought our bench picked it up in the second half. Their bench got at us a little bit at the start of the game. We need to work on controlling the three-point line a little better than we did. Their bench was hurting us a little bit in the first half.... It was a big win for us because Houston had been playing very well.’
Del Negro on the Clippers’ backcourt play:
‘Eric Gordon is such a tremendous athlete that attacks. Mo Williams started off a little slow shooting but he really made some nice plays. I was pleased with the way he ran the team at the end of the game. All of those things make a big difference.’
Griffin on Kaman’s performance:
‘Chris is very capable. He came in and shot the ball really well. It wasn’t only his scoring but it was also his presence. He’s a veteran, he’s played a lot of years so it’s good to have him back. It’s great for our team.’
Gordon on his first game back from injury:
‘It felt good. When I had the chance to get back, I was ready to play and in shape. I just try to play basketball like the way I’ve played all year.’
Williams on his first win as a Clipper:
‘I’m just trying to get a win, period. I’ve played a lot of games this season, I haven’t gotten a lot of wins so it feels really good. Our chemistry is just going to get that much better. I’m still learning all the guys’ games. It’s only my second game and I think I got better tonight with them. It’s only going to get better and better as I get more comfortable with these guys.’
-- Baxter Holmes