The Los Angeles Clippers are one win away from the NBA Western Conference Finals thanks to a 128-95 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night.
It was the Clippers' second straight blowout victory at Staples Center as Houston struggled to maintain their advantage after a strong first quarter.
James Harden, who led the visitors with 21 points, made a long three-pointer with five seconds remaining in the first to give the visitors a 33-30 lead after the opening period.
It went downhill for Houston from there, though, as they continually fouled DeAndre Jordan, who went 14-34 from the free-throw line, but couldn't make baskets at the other end.
Los Angeles led by six at half time before pulling away with a 43-point third quarter that was punctuated by a pair of thunderous Jordan alley-oops. The center finished with 26 points and 17 rebounds.
Opposite number Dwight Howard endured a tough night with just seven points and six rebounds and was ejected in the final frame after being called for his second technical foul of the contest.
The Clippers will advance to their first ever Conference Finals if they win any of the last three games in the series. Game five takes place in Houston on Tuesday.
Pascal Lemesre
