Clippers vs. Hornets

Clippers point guard Chris Paul strips the ball from Hornets point guard Jarrett Jack in the first half Monday night at Staples Center.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Clippers power forward Blake Griffin is fouled by Hornets power forward Carl Landry while driving to the basket against forward Al-Farouq Aminu in the first half Monday night at Staples Center.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Clippers guard Nick Young splits the defense of Hornets forward Gustavo Ayon, left, and guard Xavier Henry in the first half Monday night at Staples Center.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Clippers point guard Chris Paul steals the ball from Hornets guard Greivis Vasquez in the first half Monday night at Staples Center.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Hornets guard Jarrett Jack (2) and forward Trevor Ariza (1) can only watch as Clippers power forward Blake Griffin throws down a dunk in the first half Monday night at Staples Center.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Hornets forward Trevor Ariza is held back by an official and teammate Lance Thomas as Clippers guard Chris Paul and New Orleans guard Marco Belinelli help restrain him after L.A. power forward Blake Griffin (not pictured) was called for a flagrant foul 1 in the second half Monday night at Staples Center.   (Gus Ruelas / Associated Press)

Clippers center DeAndre Jordan begins to elevate for a hook shot over Hornets power forward Carl Landry in the second half Monday night at Staples Center.  (Gus Ruelas / Associated Press)

Clippers point guard Chris Paul, who finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds, takes aim for a three-pointer over Hornets guard Greivis Vasquez (21) and center Chris Johnson (20) in the second half Monday night at Staples Center.   (Gus Ruelas / Associated Press)

Power forwards Blake Griffin of the Clippers and Carl Landry of the Hornets wrestle for a rebound during the second half Monday night at Staples Center.   (Gus Ruelas / Associated Press)