Clippers’ J.J. Redick scores early and often

Clippers guard J.J. Redick is one of the NBA’s top scorers in the first quarter.

Through the first eight games, Redick has averaged 8.3 points per game in the first quarter. He averages 16.3 points per game overall.

That ranks him as the fourth-best scorer in the first quarter behind Minnesota’s Kevin Love (9.1 points), Minnesota’s Kevin Martin (9.0) and Utah’s Gordon Hayward (8.4).

“It just opens it up for everybody,� Clippers Coach Doc Rivers said about going to Redick early. “Having a defensive mind, I know what a catch and shoot does to defensives. It forces them to get out of places they want to be and that’s in the paint with their bigs.�

Rivers said the idea is to “take advantage� of how well Redick moves.

“We also know starting games, people want to attack J.J.,� Rivers said. “So we want him to attack them. And I think it’s worked out pretty well for us.�

Paul warned for flopping

Clippers guard Chris Paul was warned by the NBA on Tuesday for flopping during the game against the Timberwolves on Monday night at Staples Center.

Paul flopped in the third quarter of the game against the Timberwolves when he tried to get some space away from Minnesota guard Ricky Rubio.

There was bumping between the two guards when Paul dropped to the floor and didn’t make a play on the basketball. Rubio was called for a foul on the play.

The NBA installed the anti-flopping rule during the 2012-13 season.

Players are warned by the league for their first violation.

A player will be fined $5,000 for a second violation, $10,000 for a third, $15,000 for a fourth and $30,000 for a fifth.

For a sixth violation, a player could be disciplined by the NBA, which could include an increased fine, a suspension or both.

“I was worried about that when we first put it [the rule] in,� Rivers said. “But I think the NBA has done a really good job with it.�

Etc.

The Clippers will be one of 10 teams to wear short-sleeve jerseys on Christmas Day. The Clippers will play at the Golden State Warriors, who also will wear the short-sleeve jerseys, on Christmas night. Clippers’ fans can buy the limited-edition jerseys starting Thursday.

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