LOS ANGELES (AP) Blake Griffin is nothing short of a lightning rod - for teammates, opposing players and referees. He also can play any kind of game required to keep the Los Angeles Clippers near the top of the Western Conference standings.

Griffin scored 22 of his 37 points in the first quarter and made 14 of 16 shots before fouling out, and the Clippers beat the Phoenix Suns 112-105 on Monday night for their eighth straight victory.

"I didn't even realize he had 22 in the first quarter until halftime," point guard Chris Paul said. "I felt like the biggest dummy, because he probably should have gotten the ball even more than he did. I know he gets off to good starts and stuff, but tonight it was crazy."