Blake Griffin looks great in first half against Warriors

During training camp, Blake Griffin said he spent a lot of time with his shooting coach over the summer.

It apparently paid off.

Griffin leads all scorers with 18 points and seven rebounds as the Clippers trail the Golden State Warriors, 56-52, at halftime during Tuesday’s game at Staples Center.

The superstar power forward scored 14 points on six-for-eight shooting in the first quarter, including a three-pointer. He’s also three for four from the free-throw line.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Griffin, who picked up his first technical foul after complaining about a non-call in the second quarter. He had 15 technical fouls last season.

The Warriors are outshooting the Clippers, 51.4% to 45.2%, and outrebounding them, 22-20.

The Clippers opened the season in fitting style -- their first two points came off of a lob from Chris Paul to DeAndre Jordan. Jordan was active on defense and had success as a cleanup man in the lane on offense. He has six points and five rebounds.

Jamal Crawford had nine points and Paul had seven points and six assists.

Spencer Hawes showed some impressive interior passing, but had a quiet four points and four rebounds in just under 10 minutes.

J.J. Redick is struggling offensively, so far shooting 0 for 6 from the field.