Chris Paul inspired the Los Angeles Clippers to a 122-105 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first game of their second-round playoff series on Monday night.
The All-Star point guard recorded a career-high eight three-point efforts on his way to 32 points as the Clippers took the first step towards the Western Conference finals.
Despite falling behind early on, the Clippers went on a 24-6 run to storm into a 14-point lead at the end of the first quarter.
Los Angeles managed to extend their advantage to 22 points at one stage in the second period as the Thunder committed 11 turnovers in the first half to help the visitors, who led 69-52 at half time.
Blake Griffin provided good support for Paul throughout the game as the Clippers passed the 100-point mark in the closing stages of the third quarter.
Despite a combined 54 points from Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the Thunder never looked likely to set up a dramatic night on a comfortable evening for the Clippers at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Oklahoma will now look to level the series in game two of the series on the same court on Wednesday.
