Clippers rally late in game, stun Thunder
After being thoroughly outplayed for more than 40 minutes, the Los Angeles Clippers fought back. Leading the way was a player not known for coming up big in the clutch.
After being thoroughly outplayed for more than 40 minutes, the Los Angeles Clippers fought back.
Leading the way was a player not known for coming up big in the clutch.
Darren Collison scored eight of his 18 points in the final 2 minutes, 58 seconds, rallying the Clippers past the Oklahoma City Thunder, 101-99, in Los Angeles Sunday to tie the Western Conference semifinal series at two games apiece.
"Even though we didn't play well throughout the game, we were able to get a win," Collison said. "That feels more impressive than anything we did."
Russell Westbrook, who scored 27 points, missed a three-pointer and Serge Ibaka's tip attempt was too late at the buzzer, allowing the Clippers to salvage a game they trailed until the final 1:23.
"It was a good look," Westbrook said. "Just didn't go in."
Blake Griffin led Los Angeles with 25 points, making 9 of 11 free throws. Jamal Crawford added 18 points. DeAndre Jordan had 14 rebounds, helping the Clippers win the boards, 45-43 - the first time in 11 playoff games the Thunder were outrebounded.
"We just willed this one. We found a way," said Chris Paul, who had 23 points and 10 assists.
Kevin Durant scored 40 points, hitting 15 of 18 free throws, for the Thunder.
Game 5 is Tuesday night in Oklahoma City.
Pacers 95, Wizards 92 - Paul George poured in a career playoff-high 39 points and added 12 rebounds to lead Indiana back from a 19-point deficit and past host Washington. The Pacers moved one victory away from returning to the Eastern Conference finals.
The Pacers lead the second-round series, 3-1, and can close it out Tuesday night, hosting Game 5.
George played 46 minutes and scored 28 points after halftime, including making six of his franchise playoff-record-tying seven three-pointers.
Roy Hibbert had 17 points and nine rebounds, continuing his recent surge after a poor-as-can-be start to the series. He helped Indiana overcome Washington's 32-2 advantage in bench scoring.
Sterling apologizes
Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling apologized Sunday for racist comments captured on tape, saying they were a "terrible mistake."
"I'm not a racist," Sterling told CNN's Anderson Cooper in excerpts posted from an interview taped Sunday and set to air Monday. - Associated Press