NBA: Crawford's 36 highlights Clippers' team effort in win over Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY - Guard Jamal Crawford scored 36 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 125-117 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday afternoon (early Monday, PHL time) at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

The win broke a two game losing streak for the Clippers while handing the Thunder their second straight defeat at home.

FINAL: LAC 125, OKC 117. @JCrossover 36 pts. MORE STATS: http://t.co/9EzpOIcaGM | #BackInBlue

— Los Angeles Clippers (@LAClippers) February 23, 2014

With 4:29 left in the fourth quarter, L.A. guard Chris Paul knocked down a wide-open three-pointer to give Clippers 112-109 lead. Thunder guard Russell Westbrook responded with a three-pointer of his own to tie game.

The next trip down the court, Thunder (43-14) forward Kevin Durant hit a triple from the top of the key to put Oklahoma City up by three with 2:35 left. However, the Clippers hit four straight free throws to go ahead by one.

After Durant missed two free throws of his own, Crawford drained a three-pointer to put the Clippers (38-20) up by four with 1:30 on the clock.

A layup by Durant cut the deficit to two. However, Crawford answered again with a jumper in the lane with 45 seconds left. Westbrook missed an ill-advised three and the Clippers put the contest away at the free-throw line.

Despite an injured hand, Paul had 18 points to go along with 12 assists. Forward Matt Barnes scored 24 points while Griffin added 20 points on six-for-15 shooting.

Durant led all scorers with 42 points (15 for 30) and 10 assists. It was his ninth 40-point game of the season. Forward Serge Ibaka added 20 points while Westbrook scored 13 points in his second game back from injury. - Reuters


The scores:

CLIPPERS 125 - Crawford 36, Barnes 24, Griffin 20, Jordan 18, Paul 18, Collison 7, Dudley 2, Hollins 0, Bullock 0

THUNDER 117 - Durant 42, Ibaka 20, Fisher 15, Westbrook 13, Sefolosha 10, Jackson 7, Collison 5, Lamb 4, Adams 1, Jones 0

Los Angeles        28-44-27-26
Oklahoma City    32-34-27-24