NBA: Chris Paul guides Clippers to rare victory in Utah, 107-105

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The remainder of the period was an arms race.

Paul kept firing away, recording 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting and dishing out eight assists before the break. But Jefferson was just as strong — 18 points, 9-of-11 shooting, five rebounds — and Utah carried a slim 58-56 lead into halftime.

Then the action froze. After combining for 114 points in the first half, Utah and Los Angeles recorded just 32 in the third quarter. The game completely slowed down, technical fouls were handed out as play became chippy, and Utah fought for a 74-72 advantage heading into the final period.

But Paul was just getting started. He scored 12 points in the fourth, single-handedly lifting up Lob City.

Paul did what he does, and the Jazz had no answer.

Notes

Jazz guard Raja Bell (strained right adductor) missed his second consecutive game and won’t travel with the team Thursday for a game at Golden State. … Starting point guard Devin Harris left the game with 7:18 remaining in the third quarter after a hard fall. He returned late in the period after dealing with a sore left hamstring and is expected to play against the Warriors. … Reserve point guard Earl Watson (left ankle sprain) exited with 1 minute left in the third and didn’t return. X-rays were negative. He will travel to Golden State but is doubtful. … Clippers starting small forward Caron Butler was a late scratch due to a sore lower back.

bsmith@sltrib.com

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