Clippers: Dunks lead way to 51-43 halftime lead

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An in-house dunk contest highlighted a first half controlled by the Clippers on Wednesday at Staples Center.

The Clippers left the court with a 51-43 lead after a half that was defined by two plays.

Blake Griffin, who has been selected to participate in the NBA’s slam dunk contest during the All-Star festivities, offered his version of coming attractions in the second quarter. A block by DeAndre Jordan started the Clippers on a fastbreak. Baron Davis went to the basket and sent a lob to Griffin, who scored on a one-handed slam.

Jordan submitted his dunk resume later with a reverse slam in transition off another lob from Davis, putting the Clippers up, 49-34, with 2 minutes 24 seconds left in the half. It was their largest lead of the half.

By halftime, Griffin had his 22nd consecutive double-double, with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

-- Chris Foster