Clippers take home court back, tie series with Spurs 2-2

The Los Angeles Clippers have taken back home-court advantage in the best series of the NBA's first round.

With the San Antonio Spurs holding a 2-1 series lead, the Clippers had to win Sunday's Game 4 to return the series to homeostasis, with the Clippers owning an edge over the final three games. They did just that, working through foul trouble for a 114-105 victory and evening the series up at 2-2.

The teams played the first half more or less to a draw - the Clippers led 51-47 - combining for 26 assists and eight turnovers. It was beautiful, back-and-forth, offensive-minded basketball, a style that permeated the second half, too.

The difference came down to basic shot-making, with L.A. getting huge nights from Blake Griffin (20 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists), Chris Paul (see below) and Austin Rivers (16 points on 7-of-8 shooting). Wait, Austin Rivers? Yes, Austin Rivers.

Turning Point

With 8:25 to play, Paul picked up his fifth foul and the Clippers led 93-84. Paul headed to the bench for a foul-induced breather, which seemed to be the opening the Spurs needed to close the gap.

That was the case to a degree, as the Clippers' offense sputtered noticeably without their leader. But the Spurs struggled to score themselves with just four points in the 2:27 that Paul missed.

When Paul returned, the Clippers still held a 95-88 edge, allowing a foul-free Point God to close things out. Paul scored 10 points with an assist in the game's final 5:58, but he wasn't willing to take credit for the victory because, again, Austin Rivers.

"Game ball goes to Austin Rivers," Paul said after the game. "Hell of a game by Austin, man."

Star Performer

Much as he may try to defer credit, Paul was enormous for the Clippers on Sunday. He finished with 34 points on 11-of-19 shooting along with three rebounds, seven assists, a block and a steal, all with just two turnovers in 38 minutes.

He's now averaging 23.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, six assists and 1.5 steals in the series and shooting 53.8 percent. He's absolutely unbelievable, and here's hoping if the Clippers eliminate the Spurs, it means an eventual Paul-Steph Curry seven-game showdown.

Highlight Reel

While the game was played in Lob City, the finest finish of the game didn't involve a dunk:

There were Clippers low-lights, too. For shame, Point God. For shame.

Series at a Glance

Game 1: Clippers 107, Spurs 102 (Clippers lead 1-0)
Game 2: Clippers 107, Spurs 111 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: Spurs 100, Clippers 73 (Spurs lead 2-1)
Game 4: Clippers 114, Spurs 105 (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: Tuesday, April 28, TBD 
Game 6: Thursday, April 30, TBD
Game 7*: Saturday, May 2, TBD

* if necessary

Alternate Series at a Glance