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Clippers-Heat: 56k | 300k |
Prior to signing with the Heat this offseason, Odom played his first four seasons with Los Angeles. Odom was 10-of-13 from the free-throw line and recorded his 23rd double-double, helping the Heat to a season series sweep of his former team.
"I guess I'm just a little more mentally focused against them (the Clippers)," Odom said. "I want to beat them more because my team is almost in the eighth spot. I want to win just to get to the playoffs."
"His effort is very high when he plays them (the Clippers)," Miami coach Stan Van Gundy said. "He has done it with effort and blue-collar work. They (the Clipper organization) questioned him out there and I think he wanted to show what he was made of. Lamar was rock-solid going down the stretch in tonight's game."
Rafer Alston's 3-pointer broke a 73-73 tie with 7:20 left, and Miami never trailed again. The Clippers got within two points several times, but it was Alston who provided the final dagger with another 3-pointer for a 91-83 lead with 1:14 to play.
Miami's defense forced the Clippers into 24 turnovers, including 17 in the second half. The Clippers led 50-44 at halftime.
Eddie Jones had 16 points and five steals and rookie Dwyane Wade added 14 and four for the Heat.
"Our defense gave us easy baskets in transition down the stretch and that was key," Jones said.
"There is no way you can win on the road with that many turnovers," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said. "Miami deserves credit for turning it up in the second-half and being more aggressive."
Elton Brand had 23 points and 15 rebounds for Los Angeles, which is on the long trek due to STAPLES Center hosting the All-Star Game. The Lakers begin a seven-game trip Sunday.
The Clippers have lost four straight on the road, dropping to 4-14 away from home.
Miami swept the season series for the first time since the 2000-01 season. It has won three straight at AmericanAirlines Arena and its 14-7 home record is the best in the Atlantic Division.
