Clippers overcome third-quarter wobble to beat Jazz and secure place in playoffs

THE Clippers overcame a third-quarter wobble to beat the Utah Jazz, 108-95, on Saturday in Los Angeles (Sunday, Manila time) to secure a spot in the playoffs.

Jamal Crawford showed the way for the Clippers, who squandered a 16-point lead before recovering to make the playoffs for the sixth straight season.

The Clippers bounced back from a stunning loss to the Dallas Mavericks, notching their 44th win in 74 outings.

Crawford came off the bench to score 28, Blake Griffin had 15 points and Chris Paul added 14.

The Jazz, coming off a win over the lowly Knicks, suffered their fourth loss in the last five games.

Rudy Gobert had a huge double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Jazz.

Joe Johnson had 17 points off the bench.