Clippers hold off late charge by Pistons to win, 104-98

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Clippers guard J.J. Redick, left, and Detroit Pistons forward Cartier Martin chase after a loose ball during the first half of Wednesday’s game. (Carlos Osorio / Associated Press)

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Detroit Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko scores on a layup in front of Clippers forward Glen Davis during the first half of Wednesday’s game. (Carlos Osorio / Associated Press)

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Clippers Coach Doc Rivers argues with referee Marc Davis during the first half of Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. (Carlos Osorio / Associated Press)

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Detroit Pistons forward Josh Smith drives to the basket during the first half of the Clippers’ 104-98 victory Wednesday. (Carlos Osorio / Associated Press)

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Clippers guard Jamal Crawford drives to the basket during the second half of a 104-98 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. (Carlos Osorio / Associated Press)

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Clippers guard Chris Paul, left, drives past Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond during the second half of the Clippers’ 104-98 win Wednesday. (Carlos Osorio / Associated Press)

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Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe, left, passes the ball around Clippers forward Spencer Hawes during the first half of Wednesday’s game. (Carlos Osorio / Associated Press)

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Detroit Pistons guard D.J. Augustin, left, shoots over Clippers guard Jordan Farmar during the first half of Wednesday’s game. (Carlos Osorio / Associated Press)

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Clippers center DeAndre Jordan looks on during the team’s 104-98 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. (Carlos Osorio / Associated Press)

By Broderick Turner

Staff Writer

Nov. 26, 2014 7:17 PM PT

Reporting from Auburn Hills, Mich. —

Chris Paul finished with 23 points and seven assists and Jamal Crawford had 14 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter to help the Clippers defeat the Detroit Pistons, 104-98, Wednesday night at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

The Clippers improved to 4-1 on their seven-game trip that continues in Houston on Friday and concludes in Utah on Saturday.

At some point, it was assumed the Clippers would break out of their doldrums.

They trailed, 27-25, after the first quarter, 51-48, at halftime and, 73-72, after three quarters.

But even when they took an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Clippers still had problems putting the Pistons away.

In fact, when the Pistons cut the Clippers’ lead to 93-91, Coach Doc Rivers leaped out of his seat and called a timeout with 2:39 left.

His team responded with a Blake Griffin reverse layup and a Paul three-pointer for a 98-91 lead that stood.

Clippers hold off late charge by Pistons to win, 104-98

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