JJ Redick got hot early en route to scoring a season-high 31 points in leading the Los Angeles Clippers romp over the Washington Wizards, 133-124, on Wednesday (Thursday, Manila time) at the Staples Center.
The Clippers started to take control after a 13-2 run to close the first quarter and stayed on top in a high-scoring battle against the Wizards, leading by nine at the half and extending the lead to as high as 19 midway through the third.
Washington, though, went on an 11-2 run to close the gap, 105-97, near the end of the third period. Then John Wall had back-to-back baskets to bring the Wizards within six, 114-108, with 8:34 to go.
Chris Paul steadied the ship for the Clippers in extending the lead to 12, 126-114, with 3:13 remaining. But the Wizards refused to fold with a 10-3 run to get within five, 129-124, with 30 ticks left. But Blake Griffin hit a pair of free throws and a missed reverse layup by Jason Smith on the other end sealed the deal for the Clippers.
Three other Clippers starters scored at least 20 while finishing with double-doubles. Paul had 27 points and 13 assists, Griffin added 26 markers, 10 rebounds and nine dimes, and DeAndre Jordan scored 23 while grabbing 18 boards. The Clippers hold on to the fifth spot in the West with a 45-31 record, a game ahead of the OKC Thunder.
John Wall led all scorers with 41 points while Bradley Beal added 27 markers for the Wizards, who saw their four-game win run ended and fell to 46-29. Smith and Markieff Morris scored 14 apiece.