On a three-game win streak, the highest-scoring team in the league takes to the road for its first significant trip of the season. And it doesn’t hurt heading out onto the road with a 137-118 win over Houston under the Clippers’ belt.
“It helps,” Coach Doc Rivers said after the win over the Rockets. “This was an important game. You didn’t want to go on this trip having lost and having to (the Rockets) again at their place.” After facing the Magic (2-2), the Clippers will face Miami Thursday and Houston Saturday before returning for a four-game homestand.
After shooting 52.1 percent against Houston, the Clippers (3-1) are shooting 50.3 as a team. All five starters are shooting 50 percent or higher.
Chris Paul (26.5 points per game, 13.3 assists) has had a double-double in all four games. . . . Of course, the Clippers are trying to sort out their defense. “We have a ways to go defensively,” guard J.J. Redick said. “I think we’re feeling more and more comfortable in our half-court defense. We’re starting to really understand some stuff.”
Orlando started 0-2 but has rebounded with lopsided wins over After easily beating New Orleans (110-90) on Friday, Orlando downed Brooklyn, 107-86) Sunday. Former USC standout Nikola Vucevic had 19 points and 12 rebounds in the latter game. . . . This will be the Clippers’ first look at rookie Victor Oladipo, who is averaging 13.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4 assists and scored 19 against the Nets.