The bottom just fell out.
It was a one-point game after Andris Biedrins hit a jump hook with 6:45 remaining in the game, but the Golden State Warriors would only manage five more points the rest of the way as they fell victim to the new-look Los Angeles Clippers, 105-86, in the season opener for both teams and the night cap of the NBA's Christmas Day lineup.
The Warriors once again showed that they could play with anybody as they traded runs back and forth with the Clippers. But tonight - as it was before new head coach Mark Jackson arrived - the Warriors couldn't get the stops necessary on the defensive end and it cost them.
Chris Paul showed why his acquisition now has the Clippers as the talk of the Western Conference as he knocked down three consecutive jumpers with under four minutes remaining to give the Clippers a double-digit lead it would never relinquish.
David Lee scored 21 points on 10-19 FGs and pulled down 12 rebounds to lead the Warriors but were let down by their usually dynamic backcourt of Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis. Ellis had eight assists but the two guards combined to shoot 8 for 31 from the field. It won't be the norm but it wasn't a good start to the Jackson era.
Chauncey Billups finished with 21 points, five rebounds and four assists, Paul had 20 points and nine assists and Blake Griffin put in 22 points and seven rebounds to lead the Clippers.
For more info on the Warriors, visit Golden State of Mind.