Paul Lifts Clippers Over Sixers 78-77
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Chris Paul had 24 points, including the game-winning 17-footer with 3.2 seconds left, Blake Griffin added 16 points and 11 rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 78-77 on Friday.
Mo Williams added 14 points, Randy Foye had 10 and Reggie Evans added a season-high 10 rebounds for the Pacific Division-leading Clippers, who improved to 16-8.
The Clippers are still coping with the loss of veteran guard Chauncey Billups, who suffered a season-ending Achilles tear.
Foye, who starred at nearby Villanova, received his second straight start and scored four points in the fourth quarter.
Elton Brand had 12 points and 10 rebounds while Andre Iguodala contributed 12 points, eight rebounds and seven assists one day after being selected to the All-Star team as a reserve for the first time in his eight-year career.
Lou Williams had 11 points while Jodie Meeks and Thaddeus Young had 10 each for the Sixers, who dropped consecutive games for the first time this season.
The Sixers completed a tough seven-game stretch with a 4-3 mark.
Philadelphia defeated Orlando, Chicago and the Los Angeles Lakers at home with a road victory against Atlanta.
The three losses came against Miami, San Antonio and the Clippers, all at home.
The Sixers have a 13-5 record at home following a favorable schedule with only nine road games thus far.
A sellout crowd of 20,539 was roaring — the third sellout on this homestand — and the fans were chanting "Beat LA!"
The noise reached a fever pitch following a pair of free throws by Williams with 18 seconds left, giving the Sixers a 77-76 advantage.
But Paul responded with a difficult shot with 3.2 seconds left, sending the Clippers back on top 78-77.
The Sixers led by as many as 12 in the first half, but the Clippers rallied thanks to Mo Williams and got within 43-41 at halftime.
Notes: Griffin was whistled for a technical foul with 5:39 left in the third quarter. ... Sixers C Spencer Hawes was out for the 12th time in the past 14 games with a strained left Achilles. ... Wali Jones, a member of the Sixers' 1966-67 championship team, attended the game.
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