Clippers win season series against Thunder with a 120-108 victory

There’s been a lot of chatter about Russell Westbrook recently.

But after the Clippers’ 120-108 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, Chris Paul is definitely going to be the point guard that’s talked about.

Despite playing on a sore left knee, Paul had a game-high 33 points on 11-for-19 shooting, including making five of his eight three-point attempts. He also had nine assists while committing five turnovers.

It was the teams’ third and final meeting this season, the Clippers winning the series, 2-1.

The Clippers, playing on the road, led by as many as 17 points in the first quarter, but the Thunder cut the deficit to seven at halftime, 65-57. In the third quarter, the Clippers extended their lead to as much as 20 points, and they held a double-digit advantage throughout the fourth.

The Clippers were playing without Blake Griffin (right elbow) and Jamal Crawford (right calf bruise), who are averaging a combined 38.9 points a game this season. Oklahoma City was missing Kevin Durant (sore foot) and Steve Novak (appendectomy).

Westbrook entered Wednesday’s game having had five triple-doubles in the Thunder’s last six games, during which he’s averaged 36.8 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. On Wednesday, he had 24 points, nine rebounds and seven assists -- but he also had 10 turnovers, while clearly being outplayed by Paul.

The Clippers outshot the Thunder from the field, 46.1% to 43.4%, and had 12 turnovers while the Thunder had 20.

Both teams were hot from beyond the three-point line Wednesday, the Clippers shooting 50%, the Thunder shooting 48%.

J.J. Redick had 25 points, Matt Barnes had 22 points, making six of his seven three-point attempts. DeAndre Jordan had 18 points and 17 rebounds, and Glen “Big Baby” Davis had 12 points, though he sustained a right groin strain.

With the win, the Clippers, who are in fifth-place in the Western Conference, improved to 42-23. The Thunder fell to ninth place, with a record of 35-29.

The Clippers conclude this road trip Friday against the Dallas Mavericks.