Chris Paul scored 12 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 107-105 win over the Utah Jazz Wednesday night at Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City. The win snapped a 16-game losing streak in Utah for the Clippers, who had lost 42 of their previous 43 games in Utah.
The last time the Clippers won in Utah was January 22, 2003, when Elton Brand had 24 points and 10 rebounds leading the Clippers to a 96-89 victory. The Clippers had six players score in double figures in that game, including Wang Zhizhi.
Paul had 11 assists and three steals to go with his season-high 34 points, making a ridiculous 15 of 24 shots from the field. Blake Griffin had 31 points and 14 rebounds for the Clippers, who have won four straight games. Mo Williams added 19 points off the bench for Los Angeles.
For as offensive as the first half was - Utah led 58-56 at halftime - the third quarter featured some cold shooting. Both teams scored just 16 points in the third period, a season low for the Clippers. After making 61.4% of their shots in the first half, Utah made just five of 21 field goals in the third quarter. Griffin scored 10 of the Clippers' 16 points in the third quarter and grabbed five rebounds as well.
Al Jefferson was magnificent for Utah, scoring 27 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Jefferson, who missed the last game for the Jazz with an inflamed right ankle, made 12 of 20 shots from the field.
No rest for the weary, as the Clippers return home Thursday night to host the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center. The nationally televised game on TNT will be the Clippers fourth game in five nights.
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