NBA: Clippers see off Thunder in Game One

The LA Clippers secured a 122-105 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game One of the Western Conference semi-final series.

A career-best haul from Chris Paul helped the Clippers secure the win and get off to a flying start in the conference semi’s.

Paul landed eight three-pointers – a personal best – in a stunning 32-point performance.

Paul, who only missed two shots all night and also weighed in with 10 assists, said: “It was just one of those nights. This will definitely go down in the history books for me.”

The Clippers dominated from the off and even opened up a 29-point lead at one stage before the Thunder were able to make the score look a little more respectable.

All Star Blake Griffin provided the perfect support to Paul with 23 points, while Jamal Crawford came off the bench to score 17.

Russell Westbrook led the scoring for the Thunder with 29 points, while Kevin Durant weighed in with 25 but it was all in vain.

“We have to be more physical with them, and make them feel us a little bit more,” Durant said.

Top-seeded Indiana Pacers suffered a disappointing start to their Eastern Conference semi-final as they lost Game One 102-96 to the Washington Wizards.

Bradley Beal was the start man for the Wizards, with 25 points, while Trevor Ariza chipped in with 22.

The Pacers saw Paul George and George Hill both score 18 points but they looked below par after their first round series against Atlanta had gone to the wire.