The Clippers' search for consistency seemed like a fruitless one after a disastrous road trip. But three games since a humbling loss in New Orleans, the Clippers are all smiles.
"Winning is the best medicine," forward Blake Griffin said.
After a 17-point win over Phoenix Wednesday night, the Clippers find themselves on a legitimate winning streak, something they've not experienced in a month and a half.
In wins over Memphis, New Orleans and Phoenix this week, the team has made strides on the defensive end and corrected a serious ill -- letting teams back into games.
Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said this new confidence is coming at a crucial time.
"It's time," he said, "You have to win games. The race is just so tight. Every game presents different problems, but I'm proud of the way the guys stuck together and battled this week."
The Clippers will attempt to keep the good vibes going when they host the Trail Blazers on Friday.
NOTES, QUOTES
Paul still adjusting to new teammates
--Since Chauncey Billups went down with a season-ending Achilles injury, Clippers guard Chris Paul has become more assertive, but the timing might be more of a coincidence than anything else.
Paul said he wasn't deferring to Billups when the two were paired together, but he did lean on him for support as he got comfortable with his new Clippers teammates.
"It's definitely tough. Guys don't know you. They don't know what you're like," Paul said. "They don't know what your personality is like. As time goes on, we know each other a lot better."
As Paul's gotten to know his teammates, he's been more demonstrative on the floor, visibly getting after players who aren't cutting right or who aren't hustling.
"That's Chris' job. He's the point guard out there. Chris has the ball a lot," Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said. "He's the quarterback of our offense and an extension of me out there."
--Olympic skier and gold medalist Lindsey Vonn attended Wednesday's game. Vonn visited the Clippers locker room prior to their win.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Right now, we control our own destiny." -- Clippers guard Chris Paul on the team's place in the playoff race. Currently, the Clippers are fourth in the West.
