Rockets Smash Clippers 99-78

HOUSTON (AP) -- Chase Budinger, Kevin Martin and Brad Miller scored 16 points apiece and Chuck Hayes had 12 points and 13 rebounds in the Houston Rockets' 99-78 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night.

Goran Dragic had 14 points, seven assists and a career-high 10 rebounds in his first start for the Rockets since he was acquired from Phoenix at the trade deadline.

The Rockets played well one night after they were eliminated from playoff contention. They also played without injured starters Kyle Lowry (bone bruise in left foot) and Luis Scola (sore left knee). Dragic started for Lowry and rookie Patrick Patterson replaced Scola.

Eric Gordon scored 19 points and Blake Griffin had 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Clippers.

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