By George Devine, Sr.

The Oklahoma City Thunder had a couple of things going in their favor for the first game of Round 2 in the NBA playoffs. For one thing, they were on paper a stronger team than the Los Angeles Clippers. For another, they had home court advantage. But the Clippers dominated throughout the evening — at one point in the second quarter leading by 24 — and won 122-105.

In the visitors’ favor was their gritty capture of Round 1 in seven games, all but one of them close, against the Golden State Warriors. In addition, they had faced and moved on from the controversies surrounding embattled team owner Donald Sterling. Moreover, they responded positively to the singular leadership skills of coach Doc Rivers.

Chris Paul led the scoring for Los Angeles, with 32 points including 8 treys, a career record. In addition, he contributed 10 assists. Blake Griffin was good for 25 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds. Jamal Crawford had 17 points and J.J. Redick 12. The Clips shot 54.9% and were 51.7% on three-pointers. Their free throw percentage was well below NBA standards, at 56.7%, and they made 9 turnovers, half as many as the home team. 23 of L.A.’s points were from the 18 turnovers by the Thunder.

Russell Westbrook scored 29 points for OKC, but committed 6 of the turnovers. He also had 4 boards and 4 assists. Kevin Durant scored 25 and also had 4 rebounds and 4 assists, but committed 3 of his team’s turnovers. Serge Ibaka was good for 12 points and 6 rebounds.

Game 2 in the series, also at Oklahoma City, is set for 6:30 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, May 7.