Regular Season Game 6: Clippers 109-105 Rockets

It was a rematch of the eastern conference semi finals last year when the Houston Rockets came to L.A. to face the Clippers. Unfortunately, Chris Paul was out for the game because of a groin injury. However, that didn't stop this game being very exciting. The Clippers held a small lead most of the first half before the Rockets took a 10 point lead late in the third and early in the fourth.

The Clippers trailed 105-98. A J.J. Redick layup brought them within 5, two Blake Griffin free throws cut the deficit to 3, a Paul Pierce three pointer then tied the game at 105. James Harden hit two free throws to put the Rockets up by two, Blake Griffin then missed a shot followed by a missed tip-in. The Clippers bench strongly protested that there was goaltending on the play (in fact, it was admitted by the NBA later that it was, but that sort of thing just happens sometimes). Two Ty Lawson free throws ultimately gave the Rockets the 4 point win.

Blake Griffin had another excellent performance, scoring 35, grabbing 11 rebounds and getting 5 assists, if he keeps up this form, he could very well challenge for MVP. Deandre Jordan got 11 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks. J.J. Redick scored 19 points. Rivers and J Smoove scored 10 each, Stephenson scored 7, Pierce had 6, Johnson had 5 and Crawford continued his poor shooting form from last game and scored only 2 points.

For the rockets, the lack of Chris Paul's defence was clearly felt by the Rockets' guards with James Harden scored 46 and Marcus Thornton scored 16. Dwight Howard had a rare 20 point, 20 rebound game.