Paul can't rescue Clippers in final minute

Perhaps no words signaled the change in expectations for the Los Angeles Clippers this season better than Chris Paul's statement after the San Antonio Spurs swept the Clippers out of the playoffs Sunday night at Staples Center.

"There are no moral victories around here," he said.

Despite looking incredibly over-matched for most of their four-game series with San Antonio, the Clippers gave the Spurs their biggest sweat of their 18-game winning streak, having two chances to either tie or take the lead in the final minute of Game 4.

But both times, the Clippers' hero this season, Paul, couldn't come through, committing a turnover and missing a shot to tie.

"I had two opportunities. Being in that situation all season long, a lot of times, I was able to come through," Paul said. "To let my team down in that situation was the toughest part of my season and something I'll think about for a while."

Paul's 23 points were his most in the Clippers' series with the Spurs.