Los Angeles Clippers sweep aside Minnesota Timberwolves 126-111
The Los Angeles Clippers won three consecutive games for the first time in the 2010-11 season, by overcoming the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves 126-111 at the Staples Centre on Wednesday night.
Blake Griffin led seven Clippers players in double figures with a game-high 29 points and eight rebounds. However, his streak of double-doubles ended in the game. Griffin needed just two rebounds, but with the game well in hand, he was yanked from the contest
with four minutes left in the game. His streak of double-doubles came to a screeching halt at 27.
Eric Gordon scored 23 points in the Clippers sixth straight victory at the Staples Centre. Baron Davis registered 20 points, four assists, and four rebounds for Los Angeles, who won six of their last seven games, and 11 of 15 overall during the 2010-11 season.
Only four Minnesota players scored in double figures. Kevin Love played one of his best games in a Wolves uniform. He did all he could and added 26 points and 11 rebounds in the defeat - his NBA-leading 29th straight double-double.
Love praised Griffin’s sizzling performance by saying, “I would rather be on the Clippers' side and won. They're playing good basketball and you have to give it to them. I'd rather be in (Griffin's) shoes right now.”
Michael Beasley added 21 points for the Wolves, but he received two technical fouls and was ejected in the fourth period. Luke Ridnour posted 16 points for the Wolves, who fell to 2-21 on the road while losing their third in a row.
Match Analysis
Chants of "two rebounds, two rebounds" echoed in the final minutes of the game, as the NBA's longest double-double streak ended when Griffin fell short by only two rebounds. Yet, Griffin kept entertaining the home crowd with his tenacious shots.
Griffin was happy with his team’s performance and seemed to be least bothered about his double-double streak ending. He said, "I could care less to be honest. It is one of those things that as long as we win and play well, that is great. I am more concerned
about our winning streak (rather than) a personal streak or whatever it was. I want to keep winning."
Griffin's physical play in the opening minutes dictated the game. The Clippers led 29-19 at the end of the first period. Griffin scored 14 points which included a three-pointer. Love however, was held to just four points. Gordon injured his finger with more
than three minutes left in the first quarter. He missed the entire second quarter, but returned to start the third.
The Clippers extended their sizzling offensive play to the second quarter, taking a 60-48 lead into half time. Love played well in the second quarter as he scored six of the Wolves' final eight points. Gordon returned in the third quarter and scored 18 of
his 23 points in the second half with a heavily bandaged finger.
Timberwolves center Darko Milicic suffered a sprained left ankle in the seventh minute of the third quarter. Los Angeles committed 24 turnovers which led to 31 Minnesota points, but they still somehow managed to take a 92-79 lead into the final quarter.
The Clippers pulled away early in the fourth quarter, as Ryan Gomes and Gordon hit three-pointers, which pushed their lead to 113-91 with more than six minutes to go. The visiting team for rest of the period did not bother the Clippers.
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