The Clippers face elimination Thursday night as they host Oklahoma City at Staples Center for Game 6 of their second-round series against the Thunder.
With less than a minute left in Game 5, the Clippers looked like they would escape Oklahoma City with a win -- but a series of mistakes, including a questionable out-of-bounds call -- saw the Clippers give up a quick eight points.
Chris Paul made a number of crucial errors including two turnovers and a foul on a Russell Westbrook three-point attempt.
He'll have a chance to redeem himself Thursday. A Clippers victory would force a Game 7 on Sunday in Oklahoma City.
Key matchup
Paul is leader of the Clippers. He dug the hole; he needs to dig his team out.
Through five games against the Thunder, Paul has averaged 22.0 points with 12.2 assists while shooting 51.2% from the field and 44.8% from three-point range.
In Game 1, Paul destroyed the Thunder, making his first eight three-point attempts. It may take another special night for the All-Star point guard to help force a Game 7.
Thunder point guard Westbrook has also had a tremendous series, averaging 29.6 points with 8.2 assists on 52.6% shooting from the field and 40.9% from behind the arc.
Westbrook scored 38 points in Game 5, including the final three from the line, which sealed the Thunder victory.
X-factor
Paul and Westbrook may cancel each other out. So too could forwards Blake Griffin and Kevin Durant.
Game 6, and ultimately the series, may be decided by the role players.
For the Clippers, those are players such as Jamal Crawford, J.J. Redick, Darren Collison, Danny Granger and Glen Davis.
The Thunder need big nights from Serge Ibaka, Steven Adams and Reggie Jackson.
Outlook
The Clippers had the series in hand but are vulnerable. They'll give the Thunder everything they can handle, with hopes of returning to Oklahoma City for one final game.
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Twitter: @EricPincus
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