The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 108-103, as the game grew heated down the stretch. The Clippers blew open the game in the third quarter with a 21-6 turnover margin to that point. However, the Lakers only committed one turnover in the fourth quarter allowing them to make the game competitive down the stretch.
Blake Griffin was far and away the player of the game. His strong second half turned the tide in the Clipper favor. He lead all scorers with 30 points, and also lead the Clippers with three steals. Caron Butler and Maurice Williams both had 16 and DeAndre Jordan had 14.
Center DeAndre Jordon lead the Clippers with 7 rebounds, but Bynum clearly won the paint battle for the Lakers who out-rebounded the Clipps 44-27. Brynum also lead all Laker scorers with 26 points and 11 rebounds. He stuck to the high percentage shots, going 11-15 from the field, but his double double is none the less impressive. Paul Gasol had 13 points and 9 rebounds.
The Clippers were especially strong when it came to the turnover battle. The Clippers were able to force 22 Laker turnovers, which resulted in 28 points. 16 of those points were fast break points. The up and coming Clipps were able to show the flip side of veteran savy, as the Lakers were simply slower than their opponent.
With five lead changes and two ties, the sellout crowd at the Staples Center had much to celebrate. In a game which felt more like the regular season, the true winner may have been basketball fans in Los Angeles. Certainly both fan bases will have much to be happy about with two high quality teams.