Clippers complete undefeated December

LOS ANGELES - Reuters

Clippers guard Chris Paul (R) praises his team, which is top of the NBA. EPA Photo

The Los Angeles Clippers extended their franchise-best winning streak to 17 games with a 107-96 win over the Utah Jazz on Dec. 30.

The Clippers, who beat the Jazz on Dec. 28, have not lost since Nov. 26 against New Orleans and join San Antonio (1995-96) and the Los Angeles Lakers (1971-72) as the only teams to go through a month undefeated.

Caron Butler made all six of his three-point attempts in his 29 points and reserve Jamal Crawford scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter. Chris Paul, who finished with 19 points and nine assists, told reporters the streak was “pretty special”.

“Our whole team has been an MVP so far,” he added.

Al Jefferson recorded 30 points and eight rebounds in the loss for the Jazz, who fell to Los Angeles for a third time during their win streak.

“They have a great group of bigs, they’re physical, I thought we played pretty good defense on them,” said the Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan. “We executed down the stretch and that’s what won us the game.”