A disappointing performance from the Houston Rockets culminated with a 102-113 loss and the ejection of both Blake Griffin and Trevor Ariza in the closing minutes of Chris Paul’s chippy return to the Clippers home court.
Chris Paul was honored for his return with a first quarter in-stadium video and shout out from the public address announcer. Neither produced a wholesale standing ovation. Some stood, some sat. The entire arena seemed ready to move on with the game and the future of the franchise.
The drama featured a Hollywood buildup beginning at the opening tip when Paul and Griffin declined to dap, trade business cards or say hello.