The question as to whether Blake Griffin would play Wednesday night at Phoenix has been answered. Griffin started and played nine minutes in the first quarter, during which he scored five points – all on free throws – with one rebound and one steal. He missed both of his field goal attempts. Griffin missed Monday’s game at Minnesota with back spasms that limited him to six minutes Saturday at Houston.

The Clippers led 30-25 after one quarter, thanks to Chris Paul, who made a 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds left and a subsequent free throw for a four-point play. Oh, and DeAndre Jordan had seven rebounds in the quarter. That’s a pace for 28.