Washington was able to win eight of its last 11 heading into the All-Star break and is quietly inching back into relevancy in the less-than-stellar Eastern Conference. The Clippers fell to 24-14 and have quickly watched their second-place Western Conference spot turn into a fourth. They’ve lost six of their last nine heading into the All-Star break. Patrick Beverley had 17 points and Ivica Zubac had 13 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

Small sample size alert! Through five games, Claxton is averaging 10.0 points (69.0% FG, 71.4% FT), 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 1.0 assist and 1.0 steal in merely 15.2 minutes. While it’s doubtful that he’ll leapfrog DeAndre Jordan in the rotation this season, the 21-year-old sophomore might play his way into a timeshare if he continues to perform at this level.

Following the buyout of Blake Griffin from the Detroit Pistons, the Golden State Warriors are reported to be interested in the six-time All-Star, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Portland Trail Blazers

Though Griffin isn't the same player he used to be, his potential arrival in Brooklyn completes what should now easily be considered the scariest superteam in the NBA. Toronto Raptors

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Per Charania, rival teams that have interest in Griffin expect him to sign with the Nets for a chance to win a title.

The most notable teams listed by Fedor include the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat. Nance is also reportedly drawing interest from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans. Phoenix Suns

Brooks has done a good job of guarding Beal during the last two games with the Wizards, holding the league's leading scorer to 23 and 21 points. Beal has gone a total of 14 of 40 from the field, including 2 of 12 from 3-point range. ''I just rise to the occasion,'' Brooks said. ''Take the challenge and see if he can last the full 48 (minutes) with a lot of physicality.'' Washington Wizards