In an exciting opening 24 minutes at Staples Center, the stars did not disappoint, as the Chicago Bulls took a 57-52 lead over the Los Angeles Clippers at halftime. Blake Griffin had 15 points and eight rebounds in the first half for the Clippers. Derrick Rose had a double-double in the opening half with 11 points and 10 assists, scoring all 11 of his points in the first quarter.
Chauncey Billups did not start Friday thanks to a right groin strain, but that didn't stop the public address announcer from introducing Billups in the starting lineup...as Mo Williams walked onto the court. Williams scored eight points, grabbed two rebounds, and dished out three assists in the opening half.
Chris Paul scored seven points, had five assists and two steals in the first half for the Clippers, playing their first home game of the season. Los Angeles shot 56.4% (22 for 39) in the first half, including four of seven three-pointers.
Richard Hamilton scored 12 points to lead the Bulls, who shot 48.9% (22 for 45) in the first 24 minutes. Chicago led 29-28 after the first quarter.
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