Jazz eliminate Clippers from NBA playoffs in 7 games

WASHINGTON, April.30 (Xinhua) -- Gordon Hayward scored 26 points as the Utah Jazz eliminated the LA Clippers on Sunday with a 104-91 win, winning the first-round playoff series 4-3.

It was Utah's first postseason series win since 2010. The Jazz surged a 23-9 run to open the third, extending their lead to 69-48, which was the biggest lead in the series. George Hill and Derrick Favors added 17 points apiece for the Jazz.

Chris Paul scored 13 points as the Clippers were sent back home in the first round for the second straight year. Last season, they lost to Portland after Paul and Blake Griffin were both injured. This year they lost Griffin again after he was out in Game 3 with a big toe injury.

DeAndre Jordan had 24 points and 17 rebounds for his seventh double-double of the series for the Clippers. Jamal Crawford added 20 points off the bench.

The Jazz advanced to face top-seeded Golden State in the Western Conference semifinals. The Warriors swept Portland 4-0. Game 1 is set for Tuesday in Oakland.