Video: Chris Paul connects with Blake Griffin on long-distance alley-oop

By Ben Golliver

Clippers All-Stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin connected on an alley-oop pass from behind half-court during the second quarter of a 106-84 victory over the Bobcats at the Staples Center on Tuesday night.

This game took on a varsity versus freshman team feel quickly, with Griffin pounding home dunk after dunk thanks to 16 Bobcats turnovers that helped jump-start "Lob City." The Paul-to-Griffin long-distance alley-oop, executed less than two minutes before halftime, was particularly jaw-dropping, given how much ground the pass covered.

After collecting a loose ball out of a defensive rebounding situation, Paul turned up court only to instinctively see Griffin taking off for the races. Without really dribbling, Paul launched a zip alley-oop pass from his waist while standing on Charlotte's three-point line, hitting an uncovered Griffin perfectly on the other end. Behind the defense, Griffin launched into the air from the middle of the paint, collecting the pass on his way up and twisting into a two-handed finish in one motion. Just absurd timing and skill on both ends.

Griffin finished with 24 points (on 11-for-14 shooting), seven rebounds and six assists in 31 minutes. Paul scored seven points to go with 13 assists in 32 minutes. Gerald Henderson led Charlotte with 24 points.