(REUTERS) – The New Jersey Nets pulled away in the closing stages for a 110-96 road victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, condemning the home team to their worst start in 12 seasons. Brook Lopez scored 24 points and Travis Outlaw added 23 for the Nets (4-6), who used a late run in the fourth quarter to claim just their second win in eight games.
The Clippers dropped their sixth straight contest to fall to 1-10, their worst mark since beginning the 1998-99 campaign 0-17.
Eric Gordon scored a game-high 30 points despite making just 6-of-20 shots from the field and the injury-laden Clippers pulled within three points with about six minutes remaining before New Jersey used a 6-0 spurt to stretch their lead.
Los Angeles played without injured starting point guard Baron Davis (knee) along with starting centre Chris Kaman (ankle) and have struggled in their absence.
In the second quarter, Clippers rookie Blake Griffin was taken down hard on a flagrant foul by Devin Harris, who was ejected from the game.
Griffin, the first overall pick in the 2009 draft who failed to play a game last year because of a knee injury, stayed down for a couple of minutes but picked himself up and remained in the game.
The Nets recovered from the loss of their point guard and reserve Jordan Farmar filled in with 15 points and 12 assists.
“Sometimes, you’ve got to trust your team when things happen,” Harris said. “Guys were ready to play tonight.”
New Jersey took control early with a 55-44 lead at halftime and shot 59 percent for the game.