Dec. 02--The Clippers extended their winning streak to five games Monday night, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves, 127-101, at Staples Center.
After trailing by six points early, the Clippers took control of the game in the second quarter and never let up, eventually leading by as many as 37 points. They reached the 100-point mark in the third quarter -- not bad for a team playing its first home game following a seven-game trip.
With the win, the Clippers improved to 12-5 overall, 5-3 at home.
The Clippers outshot the Timberwolves from the field, 51.3% to 42.7%, and from three-point range, 44.1% to 16.7%. The Clippers, next to last in the NBA in rebounds per game, even bested the Timberwolves on the boards, by a whopping 50-32.
J.J. Redick had 23 points on seven-for-11 shooting, making four of his five three-point attempts. Blake Griffin had 23 points and eight rebounds. DeAndre Jordan notched 11 points and 13 rebounds. Chris Paul finished with 12 points and eight assists, and Spencer Hawes had 14 points on five-for-nine shooting.
None of the Clippers starters played more than 26 minutes in the blowout.
The Timberwolves (4-12) played without Kevin Martin (fractured right wrist), Nikola Pekovic (sprained right wrist), Ricky Rubio (sprained left ankle) and Ronny Turiaf (sore right hip).
Former UCLA player Shabazz Muhammad led Minnesota with 18 points on six-for-11 shooting.
The Clippers play the Orlando Magic on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Staples Center.
