Rowan Kavner
LOS ANGELES – Some Clippers thought emotions would inevitably still exist from last postseason’s seven-game series. Others took what they felt they needed and tried to let the rest go.
Whether the emotions existed before the game or not as the Clippers got ready to play the Rockets for the first time this regular season, the playoff vibes certainly returned as the Clippers made up a 10-point fourth quarter deficit to tie the game at 105-105 before the Clippers fell, 109-105.
The Clippers trailed, 105-98, when J.J. Redick hit a layup for two of his 19 points and Blake Griffin followed soon after by hitting two free throws. The three-point deficit was made up when the Clippers found Paul Pierce in the corner to tie the game at 105 apiece, as the dramatic finished between these two former playoff opponents continued.
But free throws would ultimately end the Clippers’ chances.
Next Game: 11/09
James Harden, who finished with 46 points, hit two on the Rockets’ next possession. Griffin, who led the Clippers with 35 points, nearly scored in the lane to tie it up but the shot wouldn’t fall. There was some controversy on the possession, as the Clippers thought there may have been goaltending, but the Rockets ended up getting the ball.
The Clippers had no choice but to foul Ty Lawson, putting the game away by sinking both free throws in another back-and-forth finish between the Clippers and Rockets.
Playing without Chris Paul (groin), the Clippers knew they’d need others to step up in the point guard’s absence. Austin Rivers started for Paul and scored 10 points, and Josh Smith came off the bench to also score 10 points against his former team. DeAndre Jordan added 11 points and 14 rebounds.
The Clippers never trailed in the first half, despite the Rockets tying the game at 32 after a quarter and against at 56 immediately before halftime. For much of the game, the Clippers nursed a single-digit lead.
Then came a Rockets run late in the third quarter sparked by James Harden, whose offensive output all night was tough for the Clippers to overcome.
