Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, left, struggles for the ball with Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Los Angeles. AP/Mark J. Terrill
LOS ANGELES — Jamal Crawford scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Utah Jazz 107-96 on Sunday night for their 17th consecutive victory, becoming the third team in NBA history to record a perfect month.
The Clippers went 16-0 in December to join the 1995-95 San Antonio Spurs and 1971-72 Lakers as the only teams to go undefeated over a month. Their franchise-record winning streak is the longest since Boston won 19 in a row four years ago.
Caron Butler led the Clippers with 29 points, making all six of his 3-pointers. Chris Paul added 19 points and nine assists to help them maintain the league’s best record at 25-6.
Al Jefferson scored 30 points to lead Utah, which fell victim for the third time during the Clippers’ streak.