http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-lose-to-Clippers-in-heated-affair-12500266.php
Rockets lose to Clippers in heated affair
Updated 12:49 am, Tuesday, January 16, 2018
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets is restrained by an assistant coach before his ejection from the game during a 113-102 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets is restrained by an assistant coach before his ejection from the game during a 113-102 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers laughs during a 113-102 Clipper win over the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers laughs during a 113-102 Clipper win over the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: (R-L) Austin Rivers #25, Lou Williams #23 and Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers laugh during a stop in play in a 113-102 Clipper win over the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: (R-L) Austin Rivers #25, Lou Williams #23 and Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers laugh during a stop in play in a 113-102 Clipper win over the Houston Rockets at Staples Center
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers celebrates a Houston Rockets foul during a 113-102 Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers celebrates a Houston Rockets foul during a 113-102 Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets looks to pass between Montrezl Harrell #5 and Jawun Evans #1 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets looks to pass between Montrezl Harrell #5 and Jawun Evans #1 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in
... moreLos Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, left, shoots as Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 113-102. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessLos Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, left, shoots as Houston Rockets forward PJ Tucker defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won
... moreLos Angeles Clippers forward Wesley Johnson, right, shoots as Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 113-102. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessLos Angeles Clippers forward Wesley Johnson, right, shoots as Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers
... moreLos Angeles Clippers guard Lou Williams, left, shoots as Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 113-102. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessLos Angeles Clippers guard Lou Williams, left, shoots as Houston Rockets guard Gerald Green defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won
... moreLos Angeles Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell, right, dunks as Houston Rockets center Clint Capela, of Switzerland, defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 113-102. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessLos Angeles Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell, right, dunks as Houston Rockets center Clint Capela, of Switzerland, defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los
... moreHouston Rockets guard Gerald Green, left, looks at referee Mike Callahan after receiving a technical foul during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 113-102. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessHouston Rockets guard Gerald Green, left, looks at referee Mike Callahan after receiving a technical foul during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Monday, Jan. 15,
... moreHouston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute, left, of Cameroon, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers guard Tyrone Wallace defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 113-102. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessHouston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute, left, of Cameroon, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers guard Tyrone Wallace defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles.
... moreLos Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, left, and Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza have words before both of them were ejected in the closing seconds of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 113-102. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessLos Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, left, and Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza have words before both of them were ejected in the closing seconds of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Troy Williams #5 of the LA Clippers gets fouled by Gerald Green #14 of the Houston Rockets during a 113-102 Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Troy Williams #5 of the LA Clippers gets fouled by Gerald Green #14 of the Houston Rockets during a 113-102 Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles,
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers reacts to a missed pass in front of Tarik Black #28 and Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets during a 113-102 Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers reacts to a missed pass in front of Tarik Black #28 and Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets during a 113-102 Clipper win at Staples Center on
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Mike D'Antoni of the Houston Rockets reacts during a 113-102 LA Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Mike D'Antoni of the Houston Rockets reacts during a 113-102 LA Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers takes a shot after he is fouled by Tarik Black #28 of the Houston Rockets during a 113-102 Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers takes a shot after he is fouled by Tarik Black #28 of the Houston Rockets during a 113-102 Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: (L-R) Willie Reed #35, Montrezl Harrell #5 and Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers celebrate a lead during a timeout in a 113-102 Clipper win over the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: (L-R) Willie Reed #35, Montrezl Harrell #5 and Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers celebrate a lead during a timeout in a 113-102 Clipper win over the Houston Rockets at Staples
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers shoots a fadeaway jumper over Gerald Green #14 of the Houston Rockets during a 113-102 Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers shoots a fadeaway jumper over Gerald Green #14 of the Houston Rockets during a 113-102 Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers celebrates his dunk in front of Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets during a 113-102 Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers celebrates his dunk in front of Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets during a 113-102 Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers reacts as he dunks the ball in front of Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets during a 113-102 Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers reacts as he dunks the ball in front of Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets during a 113-102 Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15,
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Gerald Green #14 of the Houston Rockets is restrained by an assistant coach during a 113-102 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Gerald Green #14 of the Houston Rockets is restrained by an assistant coach during a 113-102 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets watches during a 113-102 LA Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets watches during a 113-102 LA Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers attempts a shot as he is fouled by Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets during a 113-102 Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers attempts a shot as he is fouled by Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets during a 113-102 Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Mike D'Antoni of the Houston Rockets argues a call during a 113-102 LA Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Mike D'Antoni of the Houston Rockets argues a call during a 113-102 LA Clipper win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets argues for a foul during a 113-102 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets argues for a foul during a 113-102 LA Clippers win at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry
... moreHouston Rockets guard Chris Paul, left, tries to drive by Los Angeles Clippers forward Sam Dekker during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessHouston Rockets guard Chris Paul, left, tries to drive by Los Angeles Clippers forward Sam Dekker during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J.
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets drives past Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets drives past Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Tarik Black #28 of the Houston Rockets attempts a layup on Tyrone Wallace #12 and Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Tarik Black #28 of the Houston Rockets attempts a layup on Tyrone Wallace #12 and Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Wesley Johnson #33 of the LA Clippers prepares to block the shot of Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Wesley Johnson #33 of the LA Clippers prepares to block the shot of Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers hangs on to the ball as he is guarded by Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Lou Williams #23 of the LA Clippers hangs on to the ball as he is guarded by Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Wesley Johnson #33 of the LA Clippers blocks Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Wesley Johnson #33 of the LA Clippers blocks Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets scores on a layup past Jawun Evans #1 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets scores on a layup past Jawun Evans #1 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles,
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Wesley Johnson #33 of the LA Clippers grabs a rebound from PJ Tucker #4 of the Houston Rockets and Lou Williams #23 during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Wesley Johnson #33 of the LA Clippers grabs a rebound from PJ Tucker #4 of the Houston Rockets and Lou Williams #23 during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in
... moreLos Angeles Clippers forward Sam Dekker dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Clippers forward Sam Dekker dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets warms up before the game against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets warms up before the game against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets looks at the basket as he is guarded by Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets looks at the basket as he is guarded by Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in
... moreLos Angeles Clippers forward Sam Dekker, below, dunks as Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessLos Angeles Clippers forward Sam Dekker, below, dunks as Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J.
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets stands for the National Anthem with his teammates before the game against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets stands for the National Anthem with his teammates before the game against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los
... moreLos Angeles Clippers guard Jawun Evans, right, shoots as Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessLos Angeles Clippers guard Jawun Evans, right, shoots as Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J.
... moreLos Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, top, shoots as Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessLos Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, top, shoots as Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J.
... moreLos Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, right, shoots as Houston Rockets forward Tarik Black defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessLos Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, right, shoots as Houston Rockets forward Tarik Black defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J.
... moreLos Angeles Clippers forward Sam Dekker is seen in shoes with the words "Equality" written on them during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessLos Angeles Clippers forward Sam Dekker is seen in shoes with the words "Equality" written on them during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los
... moreLos Angeles Clippers guard Jawun Evans, center, reaches for a rebound along with Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul, left, and forward Tarik Black during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessLos Angeles Clippers guard Jawun Evans, center, reaches for a rebound along with Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul, left, and forward Tarik Black during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15,
... moreLos Angeles Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell, left, shoots as Houston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute, of Cameroon, defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessLos Angeles Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell, left, shoots as Houston Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute, of Cameroon, defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los
... moreLos Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, right, shoots as Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessLos Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, right, shoots as Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark
... moreHouston Rockets forward Tarik Black, wright, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessHouston Rockets forward Tarik Black, wright, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers forward Montrezl Harrell defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP
... moreHouston Rockets guard Eric Gordon, left, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessHouston Rockets guard Eric Gordon, left, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J.
... moreHouston Rockets guard Chris Paul, right, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
lessHouston Rockets guard Chris Paul, right, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J.
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets drives on Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets drives on Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets attempts a shot as he is guarded by Willie Reed #35 and Milos Teodosic #4 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets attempts a shot as he is guarded by Willie Reed #35 and Milos Teodosic #4 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets drives between Willie Reed #35 and Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets drives between Willie Reed #35 and Blake Griffin #32 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Tarik Black #28 of the Houston Rockets is fouled by Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Tarik Black #28 of the Houston Rockets is fouled by Montrezl Harrell #5 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets argues a call during the first half against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets argues a call during the first half against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Tarik Black #28 of the Houston Rockets scores on a dunk during the first half against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Tarik Black #28 of the Houston Rockets scores on a dunk during the first half against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets drives on Sam Dekker #7 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets drives on Sam Dekker #7 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Sam Dekker #7 of the LA Clippers blocks the shot of Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Sam Dekker #7 of the LA Clippers blocks the shot of Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
... moreLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets waves to the crowd in response to applause in his return, to play his former team the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on January 15, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
lessLOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 15: Chris Paul #3 of the Houston Rockets waves to the crowd in response to applause in his return, to play his former team the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on
... moreLOS ANGELES – Having seen what Blake Griffin can do to innocent rims far too often, Chris Paul was not about to let it happen again.
He had been caught in the low post against his former teammate, the Rockets barely hanging around with a longshot chance, when he gave Griffin a shove, setting off a chain reaction of Rockets anger and Clippers celebration as the first meeting of Paul with the team he had led for six years left the idea that it was just another game far behind.
Within minutes, Griffin and Lou Williams, the guard traded to Los Angeles to get Paul, finished off the Rockets, 113-102. But before they did, Griffin would trade insults with Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni, fire the ball off Eric Gordon and leave with 63 seconds left with his second double-technical foul.
Things got heated when with the Rockets down eight, they believed a Gordon drive was goaltended. Moments later, after Paul shoved Griffin, he charged toward the official to complain when Griffin's subsequent layup counted. Griffin and D'Antoni exchanged angry shouts.
Before they could leave, however, Griffin and Trevor Ariza squared off, earning both technical fouls with Ariza also ejected.
By then, then Clippers had taken their lead to 15 with Griffin scoring 29 points, Williams 31. Paul and Gordon each had 19, but Paul could only show flashes of the play that had led the Clippers for so long.
He had been greeted with a mix of cheers and boos in introductions, hearty boos on his first few touches and a nice ovation at the conclusion of a tribute video the Clippers played during the game's first timeout.
The players the Rockets gave up for him, and particularly Williams, continued their recent run as the Clippers took their fifth consecutive win, including wins against the Warriors and Rockets.
Williams was especially effective when the Rockets made a run. When the Rockets cut a 13-point lead to five in the third quarter, he came out of a timeout and dashed around a Griffin screen to nail a 3. When the Rockets rallied again, closing to within four early in the fourth quarter, he drew a three-shot foul on Tarik Black, making two free throws, before dropping in consecutive jumpers. When Sam Dekker drove to set up Montrezl Harrell for a rim-bending slam, the Clippers not only led by 12, they gave the Rockets a reminder of the cost of getting Paul.
As well as the Rockets started the game offensively, getting good looks at the rim and 3-point line, they were not taking much of anything away on the other end. When Gordon finished three-consecutive drives, one with a nasty slam, the Rockets led by eight and showed no signs that they would stop scoring.
With the Clippers working to take away the lane, however, the Rockets could not make the 3s that were left open. They made just 1 of 10 shots in the final 5 ½ minutes of the first quarter and after a fast start to the second quarter, misfired again. By the time the Clippers had gone from a 10-point deficit to a one-point lead with four minutes left in the half, the Rockets had made 6 of 24 shots since Gordon's run.
Paul, Gordon and Gerald Green combined to make 3 of 15 shots from deep in the first half, 7 of 27 in the game. With seven turnovers in the second quarter, the Rockets were fortunate to be within 59-56 heading into the second half.
Yet, though they were within a 3-pointer, the Rockets did not seem to know where to find the missing offense, with Gordon repeatedly driving into thick packs of defenders in the paint and the Rockets' shooters unable to loosen the defense. The more the Rockets missed, the more the Clippers moved quickly to open shots.
When Griffin began to roll, the Clippers were not just pulling away, leading by 13, and were not just hot. They had the Rockets so frustrated on one end and overwhelmed on the other, the Clippers were making 60 percent of their shots, 50 percent of their 3s midway through the third quarter, with few signs that the Rockets could turn things around.
Even when the Rockets got some offense going, comebacks nearly always begin with defense. When Williams and Griffin went to work, the Rockets did not play any, ending the game angry about more than a second loss to the Clippers.
