The Los Angeles Clippers secured a narrow 119-115 win over the San Antonio Spurs to move up to fifth in the Western Conference standings.

There was little to separate the two sides in the first half as a run of points from Tim Duncan before the break cancelled out some early shots from Jamal Crawford to leave the NBA champions just ahead at the interval.

DeAndre Jordan soon restored the home side's lead early in the second half as he and Crawford both finished the game with 26 points, while Chris Paul added 22 to make sure of the win for the Clippers.

Duncan and Tony Parker combined for 51 to keep the Spurs in contention in the third quarter, but Kawhi Leonard missed all six of his three-pointer attempts, costing San Antonio the chance to move back ahead.

The victory gives the Clippers a 36-19 record so far this season, leaving them with two wins more than the seventh-placed Spurs.