Five takeaways from the Clippers' 108-91 win over the Wizards

Five takeaways from the Clippers’ 108-91 win over the Wizards

Clippers guard Jamal Crawford attempts a layup in front of Kelly Oubre Jr. and other Wizards defenders during the first half.

Staff Writer

Dec. 29, 2015 7 AM PT

Reporting from WASHINGTON —

The Clippers didn’t need Blake Griffin against the Washington Wizards on Monday night. They relied on strong performances from Chris Paul and Deandre Jordan to lead the way to a 108-91 victory.

Here are five takeaways from the game:

1. Jamal Crawford moves up on NBA’s scoring list.

He just keeps climbing up the NBA’s scoring chart, doing it in a way that amazes and excites.

Jamal Crawford made a sideways three-pointer while falling in the fourth quarter to pass former Laker James Worthy and take 95th place on the all-time leading scorers list in NBA history.

Crawford finished the game against the Wizards with 21 points on nine-for-12 shooting, three for five on three-pointers. He now has 16,327 points during his 16-year career.

“I just keep going,” Crawford said after the Clippers’ win. “You look at it at the end of the day, when it’s all said and done.”

2. At least on this night, the Clippers’ bench was fantastic.

It scored 54 points and was a big reason why the Clippers ran over the Wizards.

Besides Crawford’s 21 points, Wesley Johnson had 14, Cole Aldrich 13, Austin Rivers four and Pablo Prigioni two.

Aldrich also had six rebounds and Johnson had four rebounds.

3. Josh Smith is left out.

One game after starting at power forward in place of Blake Griffin (partially torn left quad tendon), Josh Smith didn’t play at all against the Wizards.

Even though the Clippers built a 26-point lead, Smith never left the bench.

In fact, Smith was the only Clipper not to play.

He had the dreaded DNP, coach’s decision next to his name on the stat sheet.

4. Lance Stephenson is nearly left out.

Lance Stephenson entered the game for the first time in the fourth quarter with the Clippers leading by 26 points.

Stephenson didn’t score, missing his only shot.

But at least he played almost four minutes.

5. Branden Dawson makes debut.

For the first time this season, Clippers rookie forward Branden Dawson played in an NBA game.

Dawson has spent most of his time playing in the NBA’s Development League for the Clippers.

Dawson has played at Grand Rapids and Bakersfield.

He didn’t score against the Wizards on Monday night, missing his only shot. He did have two fouls.