Clippers Hand Lakers Their Worst Loss In Franchise History
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Blake Griffin had 20 points and 11 rebounds during three thunderous quarters by the Los Angeles Clippers, who routed the Lakers again 142-94 Thursday night to extend their winning streak to a season-best six games.
Darren Collison had a team-high 24 points while starting at shooting guard for the injured Jamal Crawford. Chris Paul added 13 points and 11 assists for the Clippers, who apparently are trying to make up for decades of humiliation at the hands of the Lakers all in one season; they've won the last two meetings by a combined 84 points.
This was the Clippers' largest victory margin over their longtime tormentors, and their sixth victory in the last seven meetings -- including a four-game sweep last season.
The last time the teams met on Jan. 10, the Clips won 123-87.
The Clippers are 35-98 against the Lakers since moving to Los Angeles from San Diego for the 1984-85 season, including 19-39 during their 15 seasons at Staples Center.
Pau Gasol had 21 points for the Lakers, the home team for the third of four meetings this season between the Staples Center co-tenants. They also faced each other in the season opener, which the Lakers won 116-103.
The Clippers had a 64-33 rebounding advantage and increased their lead in the Pacific Division to 4 1-2 games over Golden State. They're 21 1-2 ahead of the last-place Lakers (21-41).
The Lakers are one defeat away from clinching the franchise's first losing season since 2004-05 -- when newly hired coach Rudy Tomjanovich resigned midway through the team's 34-48 season.
This one reached blowout proportions early. The Clippers stormed to a 73-40 halftime lead with the help of a 21-1. The arena started emptying after the third quarter ended 109-60.
Griffin notched his 36th double-double and is riding a career-best streak of 21 games with 20 or more points.
Crawford (left calf strain) sat out for the third straight game. Forward Jared Dudley (back spasms) missed his first of the season.
Jordan Hill didn't play for the Lakers because of a sore right knee.
NOTES: Renowned sports medicine specialist Dr. Frank Jobe, who died Thursday at age 88, was a consultant for many years with the Lakers in addition to his groundbreaking work with his innovative Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery. ... Griffin is averaging 21.3 points, 10.3 rebounds and 51.5 percent from the field in 14 career games against the Lakers; the Clippers have won eight of them. ... Danny Granger, playing his second game with the Clippers after signing as a free agent last Friday, picked up his first three fouls during a 2 1-2 minute span early in the second quarter. He finished with 10 points in 19 minutes. ... The season series concludes on April 6 with a nationally televised matinee.
