Durant and Westbrook team up to lead Thunder to 109-97 win over Clippers, extend West lead

Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford, right, puts up a shot as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Reggie Jackson defends during the first half of their NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, below, goes after a rebound along with Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins during the first half of their NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

LOS ANGELES – Kevin Durant scored 32 points, Russell Westbrook added 26 and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 109-97 on Tuesday night in a matchup of teams with the two best records in the NBA.

Serge Ibaka added 17 points before fouling out late while helping the Thunder improve to a league-leading 33-9 and expand their lead in the West to 1½ games over the Clippers, who were without All-Star Chris Paul and fell to 32-11.

Blake Griffin had 31 points and 11 rebounds, and Jamal Crawford added 14 points off the bench. Eric Bledsoe had 12 points in place of Paul.

The Clippers had won four straight at home against the Thunder, and they led much of the first quarter before giving up the lead for good early in the second.