Jamal Crawford scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and the Clippers beat the Jazz 107-96 last night in Los Angeles for their 17th consecutive victory, becoming the third team in NBA history to record a perfect month.
The Clippers went 16-0 in December to join the 1995-95 Spurs and 1971-72 Lakers as the only teams to go undefeated over a month. Their franchise-record winning streak is the longest since Boston won 19 in a row four years ago.
Caron Butler led the Clippers with 29 points, making all six of his 3-pointers. Chris Paul added 19 points and nine assists to help them maintain the league’s best record at 25-6.
Al Jefferson scored 30 points to lead Utah.
Spurs 111, Mavericks 86
In Dallas, Tony Parker had 21 points and nine assists, Manu Ginobili had several key baskets among his 20 points and the Spurs handed the Mavericks their sixth straight loss.
Darren Collison scored 18 points to lead the Mavericks, whose losing streak is their longest since January 2011.
Kings 118, Celtics 96
In Sacramento, Isaiah Thomas scored 27 points and made one of Sacramento’s two four-point plays in the second half as the Kings handed Boston its third straight lopsided loss on a California road swing.
DeMarcus Cousins had 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his first career triple-double for the Kings.
Paul Pierce scored 20 points to give him 23,189 in his career, passing Adrian Dantley for 23rd place all-time.
Pistons 96, Bucks 94
In Auburn Hills, Tayshaun Prince made two free throws with 10.9 seconds left to give the Pistons a victory after blowing a 14-point lead.
Monta Ellis had 30 points for the Bucks.