Clippers throttle Warriors in Game 2 to even series
The Los Angeles Clippers tore the Golden State Warriors apart in a 138-98 on Monday, evening their opening round playoff series at one game apiece.
The Clippers set a team playoff record for points in a half with 67 in the first half, then broke that record with 71 in the second half. Their 40-point margin of victory is the franchise's largest in a playoff game.
Star Performer
Blake Griffin set a career playoff high with 35 points on 13-of-17 shooting, adding six rebounds, two steals, and an assist. The Clippers power forward also knocked down nine of 10 free throw attempts.
Griffin did most of his damage in the decisive first half.
Blake Griffin had 21 first-half points for Clippers, who are currently dominating the Warriors at halftime pic.twitter.com/RvFr61ioXF
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 22, 2014
Turning Point
In the closing moments of the first half, the Clippers stole the ball and went running the other way, and Jamal Crawford just barely beat the buzzer with a layup that put the Clippers ahead by double-digits. From there, they never led by fewer than 10 points.
Highlight Reel
Chris Paul. DeAndre Jordan. Lob City.
Quote of the Night
Clippers coach Doc Rivers and Warriors center Jermaine O'Neal exchanged words in the first quarter of Monday's game after O'Neal was called for a foul.
By the end of the exchange, Rivers's staff was trying to settle him down, while O'Neal's teammates were doing the same.
"We share a birthday. Two libras. Two stubborn fools," Clippers coach Doc Rivers on exchange with Warriors center Jermaine O'Neal.
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) April 22, 2014
Series at a glance
Game 1: GS 109, LAC 105 (Warriors lead 1-0)
Game 2: LAC 138, GS 98 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: Thursday, April 24 - 10:30 p.m. ET
Game 4: Sunday, April 27 - 3:30 p.m. ET
Game 5: Tuesday, April 29 - TBA
Game 6: Thursday, May 1 - TBA
Game 7: Saturday, May 3 - TBA