Clippers Rally Past Wolves In OT For 120-116 Win
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jared Dudley made a go-ahead 3-pointer with 38 seconds remaining in overtime and Chris Paul made five free throws in the final 19 seconds, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a gritty 120-116 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.
Blake Griffin had 32 points and 10 rebounds and was an uncharacteristic 10 for 11 from the free throw line before fouling out with 4:08 left in OT. The defending Pacific Division champions extended their winning streak to a season-best five games while beating the Timberwolves for the eighth straight time, their longest current streak against any opponent.
Jamal Crawford had 22 points for Los Angeles, 7-4 since losing starting forward J.J. Redick with a broken right hand and a torn ligament in his wrist but 5-0 since Crawford was moved into the starting lineup. Paul finished with 19 points and 13 assists.
Kevin Love had a season-high 45 points and tied a season best with 19 rebounds for the Timberwolves, back at Staples Center after their 104-91 loss to the Lakers on Friday night. It was Minnesota's first overtime game since beating Orlando at home on opening night.
Nikola Pekovic had a career-high 34 points and 14 boards. Kevin Martin scored 16 points after averaging 29 in the Timberwolves' other two meetings against the Clippers — both narrow losses as well. Point guard Ricky Rubio played 38 scoreless minutes with 12 assists.
Matt Barnes, in just his second game back following an eye injury, was ejected with 56 seconds left in the third quarter after committing a flagrant 2 foul against Love on a drive to the basket with the Clippers leading 77-75. Love sank both free throws, then added a go-ahead 3-pointer after Minnesota retained possession following the flagrant foul.
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