| |
|
NBA Playoffs - Paul wallops Thunder, Clips take 1-0- lead
By Homer D. Sayson PhilBoxing.com Wed, 07 May 2014
CHICAGO -- Chris Paul strutted the stuff All-Stars are made of, scoring 32 points and dishing 10 dimes as the Los Angeles Clippers annihilated the Thunder, 122-105, Monday night at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.
Paul drilled 12 of 14 field goals, including 8-for-9 form 3-point range, and the Clippers surged ahead with a 1-0 lead in this best-of-7 Western Conference semifinals. Game 2 stays in OKC Wednesday night (Thursday AM in Manila).
"C.P. really set the tone for us to start the game. His being aggressive at the start really helped us. Tonight, he just looked great and we just had one of those nights when everything was going in," Clippers head coach Doc Rivers told NBA.com.
After trailing briefly, 16-10, the Clippers put the game away by scoring 69 points at the half. The lead would balloon to as many as 29 and the Thunder never got closer than 13 the rest of the way.
Blake Griffin finished with 23 for Los Angeles, Jamal Crawford pitched in 17 off the bench, while Matt Barnes and J.J. Redick combined for 22. The Clippers made 45 of 82 field goals (54.9 percent) and 15 of 29 triples (51.7 percent).
"We have to play better defense. They were making shots, getting to the line, and making 3s. Chris had an unbelievable night. We have to do a better job guarding the 3-point line," Thunder head coach Scott Brooks said.
Russell Westbrook paced OKC with 29 points. He also had four rebounds and four assists. Kevin Durant made only 9-of-19 shots for 25 markers while Serge Ibaka turned in 12 points and six rebounds but no other Thunder player finished in double figures in points.
While the Clips shot alarmingly high from the field, OKC converted only 39 of 85 (45.9 percent) and 9 of 28 from 3-point range (32.1 percent). (Homer D. Sayson)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Floyd Mayweather Vs. Manny Pacquiao Set for Blockbuster Professional Rematch Streaming Live Globally on Netflix Saturday, September 19 , Tue, 24 Feb 2026Zulueta, Bactol, Dologuin, Almacen Score Knockout Wins in Thailand (PHOTOS) By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026Francisco wins PBF flyweight title By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026San Diego’S Boxing Stars Julius Ballo and Jonny Mansour to Headline the Inaugural Edition of Sd Fight Night on April 18, 2026, at Frontwave Arena , Tue, 24 Feb 2026Influencer Brooklyn Barwick Fighting for NBA Americas title , Tue, 24 Feb 2026Integrated Sports to distribute ‘The MGM Slam Presented by Capital One PPV’ on Sunday, March 1 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas , Tue, 24 Feb 2026125 climbers reach Mt. Apo in Sta. Cruz By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026Opening Round Bouts Set for Team USA at 77th International Strandja Boxing Tournament , Mon, 23 Feb 2026Jean Henri Lhuillier Expresses Pride as Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed Blu Girls Secure Wild Card Entry to WBSC World Cup By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 23 Feb 20262026 USA Boxing Elite High Performance Set to Compete at Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria , Sun, 22 Feb 2026SMEP, SAEP round 6 standoff in PTC WED NEMO 4th D’ Engineers Chess Cup By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 22 Feb 2026Late Valentine’s gift for Lover Boy By Joaquin Henson, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026“Prince” Albert Pagara Heads to Perth, Australia, for WBC Australasia Title Fight By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026BARRIOS vs GARCIA (FIGHT ANALYSIS) By Ralph Rimpell, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026FLOYD MAYWEATHER UNRETIRES , Sat, 21 Feb 2026WBC Introduces new award "WBC Main Event" world championship Chain & Pendant By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026WOOD-WARRINGTON II OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER CONFIRMED FOR SOLD-OUT REMATCH IN NOTTINGHAM , Sat, 21 Feb 2026"Rompete la Madre" documentary is now in the Mexican theaters By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 21 Feb 2026A Massive Weekend Ahead for Renowned Trainer Bob Santos , Sat, 21 Feb 2026Barrios vs Garcia: Where Art Thou Ryan Garcia? By Chris Carlson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026Pacman bout details revealed By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026IIEE to defend Billiard crown in PTC World 2026, World Champ Magpantay is PSA Awardee By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 20 Feb 2026Wood-Warrington II Press Conference Quotes: Everything that Was Said Ahead of Saturday's Sold-Out Rematch in Nottingham , Fri, 20 Feb 2026Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announces Opponents for Rising Stars Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. and Curmel Moton on Feb. 28 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York , Fri, 20 Feb 2026Rising Star Promotions Returns to Prudential Center April 10 LIVE ON PROBOX TV , Fri, 20 Feb 2026 |

|
|
|
|
|