Jordan delivers with career-best 27 rebounds in much-needed win for Clippers
DeAndre Jordan had a career night for the Clippers, who were in need of a monster individual performance and victory in light of Blake Griffin being sidelined for at least three weeks.
Jordan delivered as he scored 22 points and had a career-high 27 rebounds as the Clippers pounded the Mavericks, 115-98 Monday in Dallas. Jordan's impressive outing came on the same day Griffin had surgery to remove a staph infection in his right elbow.
"Honestly, I just got into a groove," Jordan said on Fox Sports West's Prime Ticket after the game. "I knew (Glen) Baby (Davis) was down and hurt a little bit and obviously Blake is out, so I had to try to control the paint as much as possible for us."
The win stopped a four-game losing streak amidst growing concern over the season's future with Griffin out and a rash of recent injuries.
Jordan, who wasn't selected to the All-Star Game, continued to show what a presence he is in the paint for the Clippers. His 27 rebounds is the most by any player in the NBA this season.
"I don't know why people don't vote for him. (But) it's too late. My gosh, 27 and 22 was dominant," Doc Rivers said. "He was guarding guards. He just did everything for us."
Jordan became just the second player since 1963-64 to score 22 or more points and add 27 or more rebounds in fewer than 40 minutes. Shaquille O'Neal also accomplished that feat in 1993.
J.J. Redick, who returned after sitting out the last three games with back spasms, was impressed.
"Honestly, I don't want to use a hyperbole, but it was a legendary night," Redick said. "He dominated the second half. It seemed like he grabbed every offensive rebound. Every time we missed for 8-9 possessions, he was grabbing the rebound. He was just dominant. They tried to go small. He was the difference in the game."
Chris Paul had a team-high 25 points and four of five starters scored in double figures, but Jordan's dominant game was the story. Jordan is tied for second with Marcus Camby for most rebounds in a game with 27.
Michael Cage had 30 rebounds for the Clippers against Seattle on April 24, 1988.
Jordan also had three blocks for the Clippers (34-19, sixth Western Conference), who now return home following a 3-5 roadtrip. The Clippers play Houston at Staples Center on Wednesday before the All-Star break.
Griffin has successful surgery and will be re-evaluated in three weeks
This was Jordan's second 20-20 game of the season. His other – 22 points and 20 rebounds - was against Brooklyn on Feb. 2 when the Clippers squandered a 9-point lead in the final 90 seconds of that game in a 102-100 loss. That game started the four-game losing streak.
"This (20-20 game) feels a lot better because we got a win afterward," Jordan said. "If I can do something like this in a win for us, then it's a win-win."
Jordan is one of 21 players to record two or more 20-20 games in a one-week span since the 1985-86 season.
Jordan's mom, Kimberly, who lives in Houston, was in attendance for her son's big game.