Clippers Make History with Consecutive Blowouts of Rockets

With Sunday's 128-95 win over the Houston Rockets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals, the Los Angeles Clippers became the first team since 2001 to win consecutive playoff games against the same opponent by 25 or more points, per ESPN Stats and Info.

The Clippers' crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, were the last team to accomplish the feat, doing so against the San Antonio Spurs during Games 3 and 4 of a four-game sweep in the 2001 Western Conference Finals.

Center DeAndre Jordan and forward Blake Griffin led the scoring for the Clippers on Sunday, both finishing with over 20 points, while guard Chris Paul chipped in 15 points and 12 assists. Unfortunately for Jordan, 14 of those points came from the free-throw line, where he attempted 34 shots in a game marred by intentional fouls.

In addition to big games from the superstars, the Clippers have also seen significant contributions from some of their role players, with guards J.J. Redick and Austin Rivers combining for 85 points over the last two games.

The Clippers have taken a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Rockets as the series shifts back to Houston for a Game 5 matchup Tuesday.

The 2000-01 Lakers went on to win the NBA Finals in a 4-1 series victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Clippers may be on a similar path.

According to ESPN's Basketball Power Index, the Clippers became the favorites to win the championship with Sunday's victory, though it's possible that the Golden State Warriors' Game 4 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday tilted the calculations back in Golden State's favor.