PORTLAND (Oregon) • The Los Angeles Clippers are doing quite nicely without guard Chris Paul. Especially with Blake Griffin playing at a high level and looking at times like Paul, who was traded to the Houston Rockets in the off-season.

Griffin had 25 points, eight rebounds, five assists and sank the game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer on Thursday as the Clippers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 104-103 to remain unbeaten in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

The power forward helped the Clippers improve to 4-0 by taking the three-pointer off a dribble just before time expired.

"Honestly, I was just trying to get two (points)," he said.

Austin Rivers and forward Danilo Gallinari (16), guard Patrick Beverley and reserve guard Lou Williams (13) were the Clippers' other double-digit scorers.

Guard Damian Lillard led the Blazers with 25 points and CJ McCollum added 23.

While the Clippers are not missing Paul, the Sacramento Kings were given a reminder of DeMarcus Cousins' talent.

The New Orleans Pelicans big man, in his first game back in Sacramento where he spent the first 61/2 seasons, scored 41 points, grabbed 23 rebounds to lift the Pelicans to a 114-106 win.

"He was dominant in every phase of the game," Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said.

"I mean, these people love him here. You saw the ovation he got."

REUTERS

WASHINGTON V GOLDEN STATE

Singtel TV Ch110, 10.30am