Clippers Welcome Griffin Back With 114-109 Win Over Wizards
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Chris Paul had 27 points and 12 rebounds and Blake Griffin scored six points in his return from a three-month absence to help the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Washington Wizards 114-109 Sunday.
Griffin shot 2 of 7 and contributed five rebounds and two assists while playing 24 minutes after missing 45 games because of quadriceps and hand injuries. The team went 30-15 and clinched a playoff spot during his absence.
The Clippers were clearly glad to have their star power forward back, gleefully pouncing on him during introductions, when DeAndre Jordan playfully pounded on him. Griffin's minutes are expected to be managed carefully while he works to regain his conditioning ahead of the playoffs.
Marcin Gortat scored 21 points and Markieff Morris added 18 for the Wizards, who never led in losing for the fifth time in seven games. John Wall scored 15 points on 5 of 14 shooting and Bradley Beal had eight points after missing 14 of 16 shots.
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