LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Clippers couldn’t hit a basket in the final four minutes of regulation. The Miami Heat could barely make free throws. Two tired teams coming off road losses the night before staggered into overtime.
Then the Clippers took over.
They outscored Miami 9-3 in the extra session and earned the biggest win of their young season, 95-89 Wednesday night.
“It’s good to get a win and get it by grinding it out,” said Blake Griffin, who had 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Their next test against one of the league’s power teams comes Saturday against the Lakers.
Chris Paul had 27 points, 11 assists and one turnover in nearly 45 minutes, Caron Butler added 20 points, and Chauncey Billups had 12 for the Clippers, 9-2 against Miami at home since 2001-02. DeAndre Jordan had 11 rebounds and six blocked shots to set the tone defensively.
“They didn’t surprise us,” said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who got ejected with 5 seconds left. “We have great respect for them.
“That was great compelling playoff basketball in early January.”
LeBron James had 23 points and 13 rebounds for the 200th double-double of his career, Mario Chalmers added 18 points, Dwyane Wade 17 and Chris Bosh had
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