LA CLIPPERS star Blake Griffin scores off a slam. Griffin and Chris Paul starred in a highlight stretch in the third period of the Clippers’ victory over the Golden State Warriors. AFP
CHICAGO—Derrick Rose made a floating baseline basket with 5.7 seconds left to lift the Chicago Bulls to an 82-81 victory over the New York Knicks on Thursday in his first home game since he injured his left knee 18 months ago.
“That’s what builds your resume,” Rose said. “Leaves a mark on your legacy.”
The 2011 NBA MVP had 18 points on 7-of-23 shooting and committed four turnovers. But there was no doubt who was getting the ball after Tyson Chandler went 1 for 2 at the line to give New York an 81-80 lead with 10.8 seconds remaining.
Rose, who was a game-time decision for Chicago’s home opener due to an achy neck, got the ball on the wing, drove to the baseline and lofted a well-placed floater over the 7-foot Chandler and Raymond Felton for the go-ahead basket, drawing a standing ovation from the delirious crowd of 22,022.
“I was right there. He just made a big-time play,” Chandler said. “I don’t know if he saw the basket to be honest with you.”
Luol Deng had 17 points for Chicago, which matched a franchise record with its fifth consecutive win in home openers.
At Los Angeles, Chris Paul scored 42 points and had on three of his 15 assists on consecutive alley-oop dunks by Blake Griffin during a 30-second span of the third quarter to lead the Clippers to 126-115 victory over the Golden State Warriors in their home opener.
“Those three plays started with defense, and that’s what got us going,” Griffin said. “That’s a positive thing, and we have to learn from that. We have to know that we can extend a lead and put the game where we need it to be with our defense.”
The Clippers, who won the club’s first division title last season with a club-record 56 wins, had five players score in double figures. Griffin had 23 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out with 3:53 remaining. Jamal Crawford and JJ Redick finished with 17 points and DeAndre Jordan had 17 rebounds and nine points. Jared Dudley had 10 points.
Golden State’s Stephen Curry made nine three pointers against the Clippers and finished with 39 points and nine assists. David Lee scored 22 points before fouling out with 4:10 to play. AP