Clippers beat Boston Celtics, 102-93

The Clippers beat the Boston Celtics on Monday at Staples Center, 102-93.

The Clippers controlled the first half and led by as many as 23 points in the third quarter, but the Celtics had a strong fourth quarter, cutting their deficit to three points, 91-88, after Marcus Thornton made a three-pointer with 3 minutes, 50 seconds left. The Clippers then went on an 11-5 run to secure the victory.

The Clippers outshot the Celtics from the field, 47.6% to 39.3%, and from beyond the three-point line, 42.9% to 41.4%.

Blake Griffin led the Clippers with 22 points, nine rebounds and six assists. DeAndre Jordan had 19 points and 12 rebounds. J.J. Redick and Jamal Crawford each added 16 points.

Austin Rivers, Doc Rivers’ son, scored his first field goal as a Clipper at the top of the second quarter off of a contested driving finger roll layup. He finished with two points on one-for-three shooting from the field.

Brandon Bass led the Celtics with 17 points.

The Clippers (28-14) are in sixth place in the Western Conference, only a half game behind the fifth-place Dallas Mavericks. The Celtics (13-26) are in 13th place in the East.

The Clippers play the Brooklyn Nets at Staples Center at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.