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Los Angeles Clippers vs Detroit Pistons Recap 12/14

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It wasn’t pretty, it was sort of fun (at times) but the Clippers survived a huge scare in Detroit to pull out the W and end this road trip with a 4-1 record with a 105-103 win at The Palace.

There was contributions right across the board however it was the big names that stepped up when it counted that send the Clippers to a 15-10 record, good for fourth seed in the west.

It was all Clippers early as they started the game on a 13-2 run with Chris Paul and J.J. Redick, who missed the Clippers November 14 win over Detroit through injury, in the thick of everything. Redick had nine points in the opening term while Paul had four assists, including one off a steal for a Redick three to open the ball game.

The Pistons recovered late in the quarter, mainly through Reggie Jackson – who is averaging 21.6 points per game over his last eight games – who scored 11 of their first 13 points. A pair of Steve Blake buckets allowed Detroit to tie up the ball game at 27 after the first 12 minutes of play.

However in the 2nd quarter, the Clipper bench was able to reinstate the lead with Jamal Crawford and Wesley Johnson leading the way with five points apiece. Led by their defense, the bench had five of the team’s eight steals at half time, with the team forcing 14 turnovers – leading to 11 points – throughout the half to ensure a nine point lead at the main break. Their 22-16 lead in points in the paint was a major factor as they were able to keep Andre Drummond relatively quiet in the first 24 minutes.

The Clippers offense was flowing in the third quarter and Paul, Redick and Blake Griffin led the way. Redick and Griffin had 19 of the teams 25 points as they established a double digit lead however they were unable to put away the Pistons which would prove to be quite costly as Detroit opened the fourth quarter on a 7-0 run which would turn into a 14-2 run and soon enough took their first lead of the game at 77-75.

Australian Aron Baynes sparked the Pistons in the fourth term with an uplifting dunk over Wes Johnson however the Clippers managed to steady as the starters returned early. The Clippers’ record of 13-2 when leading heading into the fourth quarter was under fire as the Pistons continued to make buckets down as stretch, thanks in large part to Reggie Jackson who would finish the game with 34 points (14-16 FT), 11 rebounds and seven assists.

Blake Griffin steadied the ship for the Clippers with this bench-lifting play

before JJ Redick hit a big three to cut the deficit to three with 1:43 to play. An assist on a Jordan dunk for Redick continued his influence late in the game before an unusual yet brilliant tactic allowed the Clippers to have a game-tying opportunity in the final 24 seconds.

With the Clippers down by four, Crawford was at the line. After making the first, there was some confusion as to what the play was however as he made the second, Redick jumped all over Drummond on the rebound, committing the loose ball foul, sending the 40% career free throw shooter to the line.

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Drummond split the pair, leaving the Clippers down three with 25 seconds left on the clock.

Utah Jazz broadcaster David Locke noted that Redick was the second most efficient player in the half court this season (behind who else)

and surely enough, it was JJ Redick who stepped up to knock down the huge three ball in the corner which would eventually send the game into overtime. The Clippers hadn’t lost this season when Redick scores 20 or more. That three gave him 21.

Reggie Jackson missed a 20ft jumper over Blake Griffin as time expired, which would’ve given Detroit the win.

Despite being outscored 34-24 in the final term, the highly potent Clippers offense stepped up in overtime as Griffin often created mismatches on his Piston opponents, bullying his way into the paint for a lay up then a pair of free throws. Redick hit another three (4-8 on the night) before Griffin was sent to the line again, this time giving the Clippers a one point lead. Tied once again with 30 seconds left, Griffin – who Van Gundy called the best passing big in the league prior to the game – was double teamed (sort of) at the free throw line however was able to find a wide open Jamal Crawford on the wing who drained the three pointer. With nine seconds left, as expected, the Clippers fouled Jackson who made the first free throw.

Jackson missed the second – which didn’t appear intentional – and Drummond got the rebound (with DeAndre Jordan out of the game due to fouling concerns) and missed the put back which he’d make nine times out of 10.

Chaos ensued, with Jackson credited for two offensive rebounds and two missed shots within four seconds and the Clippers escaped with the win.

Griffin finished with 34 points, five rebounds and seven assists while Redick finished with 24 points on 10-17 shooting. Chris Paul has 13 points and 12 assists as Crawford had 14 points, four assists and the game winner off the bench.

The Clippers travel back home where they face Milwaukee on Wednesday night.

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