by George Devine, Sr.

The Los Angeles Clippers managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in Game 5 of the semifinal series at Oklahoma City, losing 105-104.

Chris Paul, one of the Clippers’ mainstays, turned out to be somewhat the goat of the game, in that he committed the foul that led to the three free throws that put the Thunder ahead, and then failed to make the shot neededfor Los Angeles at the last. With 50 seconds to go in the game, the Clippers were ahead by 7 points, but the home team literally thundered ahead. A key possession call gave OKC the ball, despite the ire of L.A. coach Doc Rivers. Paul then fouled Russell Westbrook who was in the act of shooting a trey, and all three charity shots went in with 6.4 seconds to play. Then Paul got the ball and drove for an inside shot that would have won the game, but the Thunder defense stopped him: Reggie Jackson stole the ball and the game was over.

Westbook was the star for the home team, scoring 38 points. Kevin Durant accounted for 27, 10 of them within the last 4 minutes. Prior to that point the Clippers led, 101-88, but once more it was demonstrated that virtually no lead is safe in the NBA.

Despite his unfortunate performance at the end, Paul scored 17 points and contributed 14 assists. Jamal Crawford had 19 points. Blake Griffin poured in 24 points and had 17 boards.

Los Angeles led the scoring, 34-25, in the initial frame. Oklahoma City outscored them, 27-24, in the second, but the visitors still led at halftime, 58-52. The third period was even at 28, but it was in the final quarter that OKC came out strong, 25-18.

Game 6 will be on Thursday, May 18 at Staples Center in Los Angeles. Oklahoma City can win the round with a victory in that matchup.