The Los Angeles Clippers rode a hot first quarter to beat the Utah Jazz 105-96 at Staples Center Saturday night, the fifth straight victory for the Clippers. The Clippers hit six three-pointers en route to a 38-22 lead after the opening period.
The Clippers have won five straight games for the first time since November 2006.
Blake Griffin had 24 points, eight rebounds, and six assists in the win for the Clippers, who shot 54.2% on the night. Chris Paul led the team with 26 points and six assists. Randy Foye added 17 points int he win.
Paul left the game in the third quarter with a bruised right elbow, returning to the locker room for treatment. Less than a minute into the fourth quarter, Paul returned to the bench from the locker room with a sleeve on his right elbow, to the applause of fans. Paul re-entered the game with 11 minutes left.
The Clippers finished their busy March at 11-9, and remain one game behind the Los Angeles Lakers for first place in the Pacific Division with 14 games remaining. The Clippers are just the 29th team in NBA history to play 20 games in a month, and the first since the Cincinnati Royals in February 1967.
Al Jefferson led the Jazz with 26 points.
After their five-game homestand, the Clippers hit the road to battle the Mavericks in Dallas on Tuesday night.
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