Chris Paul reminded everyone why he is one of the best point guards in the NBA on Monday night. Paul hit a career-high eight three-pointers on his way to scoring 32 points in a convincing win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, 122-105.
Clippers vs. Thunder, NBA playoffs 2014: Game time, TV schedule, radio and more
Los Angeles looks to steal Game 2 away from the Thunder on their home court.
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
The Thunder couldn't capitalize on a strong performance on the glass, controlling the boards, 47-31. Oklahoma City's main problem was on the defensive end of the floor, where they let the Clippers shoot 54.9 percent from the field, including 51.7 percent on 15 made three-pointers.
Los Angeles' bench was a difficult cover for Oklahoma City, with Jamal Crawford scoring 17 points. The Thunder bench scored at a decent clip as a group, but Caron Butler and Reggie Jackson combined for a total of 55 minutes and shot just 2-of-15 for the game.
Kevin Durant will need to find a way to get back on track. In Game 7 against the Grizzlies, Durant took what the defense gave him, poking and prodding in midrange until the lane or the arc opened up for his teammates. Los Angeles did a good job in Game 1, limiting him to just 9-of-19 shooting.
For Los Angeles, their offensive gameplan will have to rely on getting to the paint, as Oklahoma City are not likely to allow them to drain another 15 three-pointers in Game 2. Los Angeles has gone through strife in the playoffs already, and getting a second win away from home would be a big victory. For the Thunder, it could spell disaster.
Game time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles
TV: TNT
Announcers: Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, David Aldridge
See More:
