NBA Power Rankings: The Clippers keep coming

The Clippers welcomed Chris Paul back to the Staples Center with a video tribute, but their players weren’t quite as warm in their reception, with a physical game that culminated in Blake Griffin being ejected late in the fourth quarter and a confrontation in the Clippers locker room with some of the Rockets players. Austin Rivers and Patrick Beverley were vocal throughout the game from the bench — neither player was active for the game — and the Clippers fans rained boos on Paul throughout the game. Lou Williams had 31 points, and the Clippers fed off the energy in the arena to win 113-102.

Montrezl Harrell had a huge game against the Denver Nuggets, helping the team pick up a 109-104 victory at home. The Nuggets tried to gain an edge by sending Harrell to the free throw line, but the former Louisville Cardinal knocked down 3-of-4, had a block on Mason Plumlee, and the momentum swung to Los Angeles for the remainder of the game. The Clippers may have been worn out after an up-and-down week, at least emotionally, and they dropped their guard against the Jazz on Saturday in a 125-113 loss. Lou Williams had a ridiculous 10 steals in the game, to go with 31 points, doing all he could to help his team stay in the playoff hunt.