Chris Paul had 28 points and 10 assists to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 105-103 overtime win over the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center Monday night. Down three points in the final minute of overtime, Paul facilitated a dunk by Blake Griffin, then hit the go-ahead nine-foot jumper with 50.6 seconds remaining to give Los Angeles the lead.
Paul hit a 12-foot jumper with 25.1 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Clippers a 97-96 lead, but Samuel Dalembert hit one of two free throws to tied the score with 18.1 seconds remaining. Paul appeared to hit a possible game-winner at the buzzer, but he did not release his shot in time, thanks to great defense by Courtney Lee.
Griffin had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers, who improved to 2-1 on their six-game road trip. Reggie Evans had nine rebounds in 13:35 for the Clippers, who outrebounded Houston 49-43.
Kevin Martin led the Rockets with 25 points and eight assists, while Dalembert (17 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks) and Luis Scola (16 points, 12 rebounds) each had double-doubles for Houston. The Rockets shot 43% from the field, but made 10 of 20 three-pointers in the game.
With the win, the Clippers remain in first place in the Pacific Division, percentage points ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Clippers are 3-1 in overtime this season. No rest for the weary, as the Clippers continue their road trip Monday night in Minneapolis against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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