Chris Paul scored 27 points and dished out 11 assists, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 95-89 overtime win over the Miami Heat at Staples Center on Wednesday night. It was the second straight year the Clippers have beaten the Heat in Los Angeles.
Paul only had one turnover on the night, and it came in overtime.
The fourth quarter saw 10 lead changes, capping a wildly exciting night in Los Angeles. Lebron James had two different trips to the free throw line in the final seconds of the fourth quarter that could have tied, then won the game for Miami, but he missed two of four from the charity stripe. For the game, James made just nine of 17 free throws, but have 23 points, had 13 rebounds, and dished out seven assists.
Paul had a transcendent third quarter with 11 points and five assists, helping the Clippers turn a five-point deficit into a one-point lead heading into the final period. Caron Butler scored 10 of his 20 points in that third period.
DeAndre Jordan blocked six shots for the Clippers, including a controversial block of Chris Bosh with 49 seconds remaining that Miami contended was a goaltend. Blake Griffin had 20 points and 12 rebounds for the Clippers, but struggled in the second half with just four points and six boards.
The Clippers have won four straight home games, and are 20-6 in their last 26 home games, dating back to last season.
Bosh added a double-double for Miami with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Dwyane Wade had 17 points in the loss.
Chauncey Billups scored 12 points for the Clippers, including making three free throws in the final minute of regulation that briefly gave the Clippers a two-point lead. The Clippers are off the next two days before hosting the first-place Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center.
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