LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Clippers turned a two-game losing streak into a two-game winning streak thanks to a 102 – 100 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night.
“I tried to be aggressive (tonight). In those losses, I did a poor job of mixing up and not being aggressive,” said Griffin about his up and down performances lately. “I have to be aggressive to help our team, even if shots aren’t falling. I gotta have the right mind set going into each game.”
Blake Griffin scored 31 points with 16 rebounds and 5 assists while DeAndre Jordan scored 15 points with 23 rebounds to lead the Clippers.
“I’m just trying to get as many rebounds as I can,” said Jordan about his 23 boards. “I know what my job is, what my role is on the team. As long as we get the win, that’s all that matters.”
Chris Paul had a nice game for the Clippers as well with 20 points, 9 assists and 5 steals. J.J. Redick continued his torrid shooting pace with 16 points and 3 three pointers.
“They forced us to play at their pace the whole game and we could never really pull away,” said Redick about the game.
The Indiana Pacers (8-19) played tough throughout the game finally taking the lead 83-81 with a little over 8 minutes remaining in the third quarter. David West led the way with 17 points and 10 rebounds. While C.J. Miles was tremendous off the bench yet again, chipping in 17 points and two three pointers.
“We found our rhythm off the bench,” said Miles about the second unit. “We played with a little pace. We are learning each other’s games pretty well. We have guys that can pass it and guys that can make perimeter shots, so that helps us out a lot. We give them different looks and they are having to kind of pick their poison a little bit.”
The Clippers lost back-to-back road games against Washington and Milwaukee last week, but have now won two straight at home after defeating Detroit 113-91 on Monday night.
“During these next 30 games, we have to grind it out and stay healthy,” said Clippers head coach Doc Rivers about the alternating streaks. “This time in the season is the greatest time to grow. When you are grinding, you find things to fix with the team. This is a great time for growth for our team.”
Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel picked up a technical foul with 7:23 remaining in the game and the Clippers scored in the paint to complete the three-point play the hard way. That lead to a 14-4 Clippers run and they never looked back from there.
The Clippers welcomed Los Angeles Lakers forward Carlos Boozer who hosted “Game Night.” Boozer sold tickets to a private luxury suite complete with dinner, cocktails, dessert as well as photos and autographs for those who donated. The proceeds benefited St. Jude Children’s Hospital research for sickle cell disease, a life threatening disease that inflicted Boozer’s oldest son, Carmani. The two-time NBA All Star and Gold medal winner watched the game with fans ahead of the Lakers game on Friday against Oklahoma City.
Chris Paul wore an “I Can’t Breathe” shirt after the game during his post game press conference in honor of Eric Garner who was killed by an NYPD police officer after being choked to death. While in the headlock and ascertained by police, Garner’s complained that he couldn’t breathe. “I can’t breathe” were his last words.
“We all have a platform. Some people choose to use it in different ways. People do pay attention. I have kids of my own that I’m trying to teach about the world and the community,” said Chris Paul after the game.
Earlier in the week, President Obama praised LeBron James and other athletes for wearing the “I Can’t Breathe” shirts.
“I think LeBron did the right thing,” the President told People magazine. “We forget the role that Muhammad Ali, Arthur Ashe, and Bill Russell played in raising consciousness. I’d like to see more athletes do that –- not just around that issue, but around a range of issues.”
Game Notes: Spencer Hawes missed his third straight game for the Clippers with a knee injury. The Clippers conducted their fourth annual Jewish Heritage night and lighted a giant menorah outside Staples Center before the game. Another memorah was lit at halftime and various menorahs could be found throughout the arena as kosher food was sold at the concession stands.
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