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Griffin leads struggling Clippers into New Orleans

Feb 23, 2011 - 4:03 PM (Sports Network) - Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers continue a grueling season-long 11-game road trip in the Big Easy Wednesday against Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets.

Jeff Green scored 22 points and Kevin Durant had 21 on Tuesday, as the Thunder spoiled Griffin's pro debut in Oklahoma City with a 111-88 victory. Griffin, three days after jumping over a car to win the dunk contest, played in his hometown for the first time since leaving after two years at Oklahoma and led Los Angeles with 28 points and 11 rebounds.

But the Clippers continued a slide that began before the All-Star break, falling to 2-7 on their lengthy road swing and losing for the first time in four all-time trips to Oklahoma City.

Griffin, a prep star at Oklahoma Christian School and national player of the year for the Sooners, shot 9-of-15 from the field and was two assists shy of a triple-double.

The Hornets, meanwhile, emerge from the All-Star break hoping to stop a three- game slide, the latest of which took place last Wednesday in Portland when LaMarcus Aldridge poured in 34 points and pulled down seven rebounds, as the Trail Blazers held off New Orleans, 103-96.

David West finished with 27 points and five rebounds for the Hornets, who have lost nine of 11 overall. Willie Green donated 24 points and six boards.

Trevor Ariza chipped in 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists for New Orleans, which is 33-25 coming out of the break.

The Clippers, who are just 5-22 on the road this season, snapped a 14-game skid to the Hornets with a 99-95 win in LA back on Nov.22 but have lost seven straight in New Orleans.