Jan 22, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers small forward Caron Butler (5) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) during the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight’s game between Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder could’ve been a sneak preview of the Western Conference Finals.  On Monday, the Clippers looked forward to extending their 4 game winning streak against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena, ultimately coming up short in a 106-99 loss. The Thunder had a winning streak of their own broken against the Denver Nuggest Sunday night, setting the stage for a winner-takes-best-NBA record game between us and them.  The last time the Clippers and the Thunder faced off was on November 21, 2012 in Oklahoma City in a thrilling game went into overtime, Chris Paul barely missing a shot to win in regulation. The game went into overtime and, unfortunately, the Clippers ultimately lost 117-111. In that contest, Kevin Durant shot a mind-boggling 25 free throws, proving he merely needs to pass wind to draw a ref’s whistle.

Well, with Chris Paul scratched just before game time, the Clippers would certainly have their work cut out for them, and ultimately they couldn’t hang with the twin motors of Durant and Westbrook, who scored over 50 points between them to lead the Thunder to victory 109-97.

The irony of CP3 not playing on his own bobble-head night was not lost on Clipper Nation.

Eric Bledsoe would get his fourth NBA start, having his personal 3-0 winning streak snapped as he couldn’t get his offense going, ending up just 5-15 for the game with 11 points. After jumping out to an early 14-4 lead, the first quarter ended up tied at 22, ending the half with us down 4. Kevin Durant had only 4 points at that juncture, and it was only a matter of time before the NBA’s three-time scoring leader got things going. And, just like that, Durant led a scoring barrage with 11 points in the 3rd quarter, extending the lead to as much as 17, before the Clippers cut it to 8 with 2 minutes left in the game. The Thunder shot a ridiculous 17-25 from 3-point range for the game and every bounce seemed to go their way (Durant actually banked one in from 30 feet away).

Blake Griffin had 16 points going into third quarter and continued his monster game (31 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists) in gamely trying to carry the team on his shoulders, but the rest of the Clipper players had a tough night; they struggled to score, turned the ball over way too many times, and could not defend the Thunder from shooting 3’s.  I was trying to stay positive that the Clippers could weather the Thunder storm and come back at the end, but without Chris Paul to guide them, it was a longshot.  Jamal Crawford is definitely not suited to run the point guard, even in a backup role, so Vinnie Del Negro had Grant Hill doing ball handling duties at one point to try to free Crawford to get his shooting groove going. Kevin Durant and his team, though, were just unstoppable. They shot 11 for 17 three pointers (65%) in the second half and 15-17 in the third quarter overall. Those numbers are hard to believe.

The OKC Thunder are really as good as advertised and without our top player it would’ve taken a near-perfect game to win; however, I am proud of our squad for playing hard without him and they did not give up until the final horn sounded..

The Clippers (32-11) are now 1.5 games behind the Thunder (33-9) for the best record in the NBA and now drop to 3rd place in the Western Conference, a half game behind San Antonio. Up next is a game in Phoenix against the Suns at 7:30pm on Thursday and I will be watching the game at the Clippers fan viewing party at ESPN Zone at LA Live.  Come by and say hello to myself and FullyClips Editor Ian Denchasy as we snap this two game losing streak!

Jan 22, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) shoots against Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka (9) during the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to Adversity 101, Clipper Nation.

The Thunder came into Staples Center looking to grab sole possession of the NBA’s best record, got a gift in the form of Chris Paul’s ailing knee, and cruised to victory on a 3rd quarter barrage of 3-pointers and 75% shooting. And yet, the Clippers still kept the game within reach, cutting the deficit to 7 late in the fourth quarter before Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook hit back to back 3′s, one on a bank and one on a high bounce, to put the contest out of reach. Durant finished the game with 32 points on 12-19 shooting, with Westbrook adding 26 on 9-19. Serge Ibaka chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds, while Kevin Martin finished with 13.

Eric Bledsoe had a poor shooting night, hitting only 5 of his 16 shots, and tallying 4 assists. The Thunder, sensing Bledsoe’s vulnerability, cut off his lanes and gave him wide open outside shots, which he either missed or passed off to other players for poor looks, demonstrating he still has a ways to go before elevating himself to starter in this league.

Another casualty of Paul’s absence was Jamal Crawford, who was forced into backup point guard duties, which hampered his offensive flow and stunted ball movement. He could only muster 14 points on 18 shots, getting double teamed constantly every time he so much as sniffed the ball.

On the plus side, Grant Hill showed some serious improvement, hitting 3 soft jumpers that showed he’ll be more and more of a factor as he regains his stamina.

But it was Blake Griffin who turned in a monster game, willing the team forward with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists (to go along with 2 steals and a blocked shot) as he refused to allow his team to go quietly. Constantly hounded by Ibaka, Blake continued to pound his way inside for tough points.

I know, I know, there are no moral victories (that only happens with LA’s other team these days); however, can one seriously say the Thunder would’ve put up as good a game if Durant or Westbrook was out? Given the fight the Clippers showed, there may yet be a titanic playoff series looming at season’s end. With everyone healthy, we fans will be in for quite a treat…