Austin Rivers, 25, of the Clippers takes a shot during the Clippers’ 119-117 loss Thursday night at Oklahoma City/AP photo by Alonzo Adams

Jamal Crawford scored 32 points in the Clippers’ 119-117 loss Thursday night at Oklahoma City. The Clippers, mind you, nearly won without the services of starters Chris Paul, J.J. Redick and DeAndre Jordan. They all rested. That’s not to mention that Blake Griffin again was out, though he is slated to return Sunday at home against Washington.

As good as Crawford was – he was 10 of 20 from the field, 5 of 8 from 3-point range and also doled out seven assists – Austin Rivers was at least as good. Rivers also scored 32 points. He shot 12 of 19 – a magnificent 7 of 9 from deep. He also had four rebounds, five assists and two steals in 39 minutes.

Crawford, who also had two steals, marveled at his much younger teammate.

“He was spectacular,” Crawford said. “He really was. He made play after play. He read the defenses, he did a great job. He competed, he really did.”

The Clippers (48-27) had won four consecutive games.