The Los Angeles Clippers have done well to hold the fort while dynamic forward Blake Griffin was out for 15 games recovering from surgery that removed a staph infection in his right elbow. The Clippers got some good news Monday, when Griffin finally came back out onto the court.

In his first game back, Griffin was noticeably less aggressive offensively on his way to 11 points (4-10 FGs), 11 rebounds, and eight assists, as the Clippers lost a close one to the Houston Rockets 100-98.

"I didn't think I played well. I was out of rhythm"”way too many turnovers (5). I didn't put us in a position to win. I've got to be better. The elbow was a little sore, moreso toward the end, but we expected that. It was nothing out of the ordinary," said Griffin who rejoined a team that relied heavily on All-Star Chris Paul's brilliance, and center DeAndre Jordan's dominance in the paint while he was out.

Despite the loss, though, Clippers coach Doc Rivers is happy to have his star forward back. "Not having Blake hurt us in a lot of ways. Teams were able to trap CP far more than they can when Blake's on the floor because of Blake's ability to pass. I'm sure CP is the happiest of all of them to have him back. I think it will really help DJ because, the last three or four games, he's actually been double-teamed on the glass," he pointed out.

The Clippers are currently sixth in the murderously competitive Western Conference, but is basically tied with the San Antonio Spurs (fifth place), and seventh place Dallas Mavericks.

With just 15 games left in the regular season, they trail the fourth place Rockets by 2½ games.

In 52 games for the Clippers this season, Griffin is averaging 22.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.