Chris Paul after loss to Cavs: Recent defense unacceptable

Wesley Johnson, left, of the Clippers guards Kevin Love of the Cavaliers/AP photo by Tony Dejak

 

The Clippers allowed only 96.6 points per game during their recent 10-game winning streak. Including Thursday, when the Clippers were defeated 115-102 at Cleveland, the Clippers have given up 357 points over their past three games, two of which were losses.

That’s an average of 119 points. Chris Paul said after Thursday’s loss that has to change.

“No question, our defense has been unacceptable for the past few games,” Paul said. “J.J. (Redick) and I were talking about it. We’re just not being solid, we’re not being disciplined and we’re not doing our principles. It’s nothing on the coaches. It’s just us. The good thing about it is that we know the right things to do. We’ve just got to work on our communication and start talking more.”

The Clippers (27-15) played their 12th consecutive game without Blake Griffin, who is expected to return on this road trip from a partially torn left quad tendon.

Next up for the Clippers, Friday at New York.