Clippers run away from West leading Oklahoma City Thunder as playoffs approach (4/12)

 

The Oklahoma City Thunder came to the Staples Center on April 16th for revenge vs. the Clippers after losing to LA the week before at Oklahoma. The Thunder is ranked first in the Western Conference and started out quickly taking an 11 point lead in the first half and leading by 9 at halftime.  Their offense was lead by Kevin Durrant, who may be the MVP of the league this year.  Russell Westbrook started out fast as well but floundered and couldn’t make his outside shots as he finished 4-16. 

 

In the end, the Clippers blew them out in the second half as Blake Griffin and Chris Paul leading the way holding the Thunder to 25 points in the second half.  The Clips received key contributions from Randy Foye and Nick Young (taem leading 19 points) and Mo Williams who were on fire from the outside. 

 

The first half saw the Clippers struggling as the Thunder defense was great, which included backup Nick Collison doing a fantastic job on Griffin.  Derek Fisher was greeted with a mix of cheers and boos when he entered the game.  With Westbrook struggling and 6th man of year candidate James Harden having an average night, LA ran away in the end and won 92-77.  Oklahoma coach Scottie Brooks knew his team was in for a battle as they have a match up issue with the Clippers.  The Clippers are battling the Lakers for the #3 seed in the West as the playoffs approach in about 2 weeks.  They are also trying to secure home court advantage in the first round as Memphis is not far behind them. 

 

When healthy, the Clippers form as a tough opponent and besides their two superstars, they have depth for the first time in a long time.  Chauncey Billups has been traveling with the team quite a bit to give them tips and leadership even though he has been lost for the season while he recovers from his achilles tendon surgery.   For more info, schedule and tickets, please visit  www.nba.com/clippers