Clippers hold off Warriors 126-121 to win Game 7

LOS ANGELES – Blake Griffin scored 24 points, Chris Paul had 22 points and 14 assists, and the Los Angeles Clippers outlasted the Golden State Warriors 126-121 in Game 7 on Saturday night (Sunday Manila time) to win their thrilling first-round playoff series.

Jamal Crawford scored 22 points for the third-seeded Clippers, who won just the franchise's third playoff series in 38 years after persevering through two tumultuous weeks for their franchise.

Clippers owner Donald Sterling was banned for life from the NBA on Tuesday after a recording of racist comments by the 80-year-old billionaire was made public last week.

Los Angeles advanced to a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder, who eliminated Memphis earlier Saturday.

Stephen Curry had 33 points and nine assists for the Warriors, who blew a late lead in Game 7.