Los Angeles, CA – The Clippers have always played second fiddle in Los Angeles.
But not so far this season.
Chris Paul tallied 24 points, 13 assists and five steals and the Clippers recorded their franchise-record 12th straight win with a 97-85 triumph over the Sacramento Kings.
"It's pretty cool and great for the fans," Paul said of the streak. "For us it's another win, but we can't be satisfied. One thing about us, we are playing together."
Blake Griffin added 21 points and 13 rebounds for Los Angeles, which broke the franchise mark of the 1974-75 Buffalo Braves.
"One thing about this streak, we've won in a variety of different ways," Griffin said.
The Clippers' average margin of victory during the stretch is 14.8 points, while the Lakers have won just five games during the same span.
Jimmer Fredette netted 16 points off the bench to lead the Kings, who have dropped six of their last seven contests.
DeMarcus Cousins, who had nine points in defeat, did not play in the second half.
"His conduct was not good for the team," Sacramento head coach Keith Smart said of Cousins not playing in the second half.
Jason Thompson's layup four minutes into the opening frame gave Sacramento an 11-9 edge, but the Clippers closed the quarter on a 20-10 run, which was capped when Paul nailed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Los Angeles' margin swelled to as many as 16 in the second before it took a 53-39 advantage into the break.
The Clippers led, 73-62, after three and Sacramento never cut the deficit below seven in the fourth.
Game Notes
Matt Barnes added 13 points off the bench for Los Angeles ... The Kings turned the ball over 17 times, which led to 24 Clipper points ... Isaiah Thomas chipped in 12 points for Sacramento.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.