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Clippers beat Minnesota Timberwolves, 110-106

Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) uses the rim to protect his reverse layup attempt from Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett's (21) block attempt.

Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) uses the rim to protect his reverse layup attempt from Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett’s (21) block attempt.

(Leila Navidi / Minneapolis Star Tribune)
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The Clippers began their five-game trip Monday with a 110-106 victory over Minnesota, extending their winning streak over the Timberwolves to 14 games.

This one wasn’t easy to get.

With 51.8 seconds left and the Timberwolves ahead, 98-95, DeAndre Jordan dunked to bring the Clippers within one point. Jordan then blocked a layup try by Zach LaVine and Blake Griffin made a basket with 25.5 seconds left to give the Clippers a 99-98 lead.

The final 22.4 seconds were a free-throw contest, with the Clippers making 11 free throws and the Timberwolves making eight.

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Chris Paul (inflamed rib cartilage) and J.J. Redick (sprained right ankle) were back in the Clippers’ starting lineup. Paul had 14 points, five assists and four steals, but committed five turnovers. Redick had 13 points, 11 on free throws. He made one of nine field-goal tries.

Paul made a buzzer-beating 38-foot shot to end the second quarter, cutting Minnesota’s lead to 52-50.

Jordan led the Clippers with 20 points on eight-for-nine shooting, and had 12 rebounds and four blocks. Jamal Crawford had 18 points and seven assists.

LaVine had 21 points. The Timberwolves have lost four consecutive games.

The Clippers, who won a franchise-best 26 games on the road last season, also will play at Milwaukee, Chicago, Brooklyn and Detroit on the trip. They’ve won five of their last six games.

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