Clippers extend winning streak in 103-86 victory over Suns
Consider the Clippers’ script evenly flipped.
After a season-high three-game losing streak, the Clippers have rebounded to win three games in a row, the latest a 103-86 victory against Phoenix on Wednesday night at Staples Center.
Led by 27 points and 14 rebounds from Blake Griffin, the Clippers improved to 29-21 and remain in second place in the Western Conference, two games behind the Lakers. They improved to 3-0 in their current five-game homestand. They play host to Portland on Friday.
Though they led the Suns (25-26) by only two points at halftime, the Clippers pulled away in the second half from the team that beat the Clippers on March 15 at Staples Center without starters Steve Nash and Grant Hill, who were each given the night off.
Immediately after that March 15 loss, the Clippers held a closed-door meeting, and by the next morning rumors circulated that Coach Vinny Del Negro might soon be fired.
But three wins in a row has helped quiet those rumors.
In Wednesday’s win, Nash played, scoring only one point but handing out 15 assists. Hill sat out because of knee inflammation. Center Marcin Gortat led the Suns with 23 points.
The Clippers outscored the Suns by 15 points in the second half and built a lead that grew to as much as 20 points. Chris Paul had 15 points and 15 assists for the Clippers, who shot 50% from the field.
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