Clippers beat Lakers 109-95 to clinch 1st Pacific Division title in franchise history

Los Angeles Clippers center Ryan Hollins, right, blocks the shot of Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard during the first half of their NBA basketball game, Sunday, April 7, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin dunks during the first half of their NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sunday, April 7, 2013, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

LOS ANGELES – Blake Griffin had 24 points and 12 rebounds, and the playoff-bound Los Angeles Clippers beat the Lakers 109-95 on Sunday to clinch their first Pacific Division title in franchise history against a team that has long overshadowed them.

Chris Paul added 24 points and 12 assists in helping the Clippers sweep the Lakers 4-0 for the first time since Donald Sterling bought the team in 1981. The 1974-75 team, known as the Buffalo Braves, had the franchise's only other sweep of the Lakers.

Fans chanted, "Sweep! Sweep!" in the closing seconds.

Jamal Crawford had 20 points off the bench, DeAndre Jordan had 13 rebounds and Caron Butler scored 14 points.

Dwight Howard scored 25 points, including 9 of 13 free throws, for the Lakers, who played without injured starters Steve Nash and Metta World Peace. Kobe Bryant added 25 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, and Pau Gasol had 12 points and 13 rebounds as the Lakers' three-game winning streak ended.