Clippers center DeAndre Jordan has a block party against Heat - Los Angeles Times
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Clippers center DeAndre Jordan has a block party against Heat

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DeAndre Jordan extended his long legs, each of them soaking in a bucket of ice.

He had just used those legs, the ones seemingly with springs in them, the ones that carry him to lofty heights on the basketball court, to block six shots against the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.

Now Jordan was resting, a well-deserved rest for the Clippers’ defensive anchor.

“DJ was unreal,” said Chris Paul, who was equally as unreal during the Clippers’ impressive 95-89 overtime victory over the Heat.

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Paul orchestrated the Clipper attack.

He had a season-high 27 points on 11-for-21 shooting.

He had 11 assists and six rebounds.

Perhaps most impressive, especially since he has the ball in his hands so much, Paul had just one turnover in 44 minutes, 53 seconds.

But Paul wanted to give credit to his big man, the 6-11 Jordan, who controlled the middle.

“I don’t think his six blocks tell the whole story, because not only did he block those shots, but he gained possession,” Paul said.

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Jordan said he repeatedly has been told by Paul and the media to try to keep possession of the ball when he blocks a shot rather than knock it out of bounds.

Wednesday night, Jordan succeeded for the most part.

He blocked a shot by Norris Cole in the fourth quarter and was able to gain possession of the ball himself.

Jordan blocked a shot by Mario Chalmers in the fourth that Mo Williams tracked down.

And then in the overtime, with the Clippers holding a three-point lead, Jordan blocked a shot by Chris Bosh with 48.9 seconds left.

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Blake Griffin got the rebound.

“I’m just trying not to block too hard,” Jordan said. “I’m trying to learn how to tip it to teammates or tip it to get a fast break going. My timing is getting a lot better and I’m not swinging as aggressive.”

Jordan provided the Clippers with some offense as well.

He had four of his eight points in the overtime.

His four-foot jump hook gave the Clippers a 90-86 lead in the OT.

His dunk off a Paul pass gave the Clippers a 94-89 lead, securing the victory over the Heat.

“Overall, we had a great team win,” Jordan said. “I’m just glad I could contribute.”

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Beating the Heat is huge for the Clippers

Clippers hold on to beat Heat in overtime, 95-89

Blake Griffin to be considered for U.S. Olympic team

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-- Broderick Turner

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