Clippers hold off Kings 112-108 to clinch home-court advantage in first round of playoffs

Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan hangs on the rim after dunking during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, April 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) (The Associated Press)

Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson, right, drives against Los Angeles Clippers forward Caron Butler during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, April 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) (The Associated Press)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Jamal Crawford scored 24 points, including several big shots down the stretch, and the Los Angeles Clippers locked up home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, holding off the Sacramento Kings 112-108 on Wednesday night in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Chris Paul had 25 points and 11 assists for the Pacific Division champion Clippers (56-26), who earned the Western Conference's fourth seed and will open against fifth-seeded Memphis (56-26) in Los Angeles. The Clippers won three of four games against the Grizzlies this season.

DeMarcus Cousins had a season-high 36 points and a career-best 22 rebounds, and Marcus Thornton scored 21 to rally Sacramento from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter before the Clippers took control.