Blake Griffin unruffled by hard Dwight Howard foul

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin has played down a hard foul by Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard during Sunday's game four of the NBA Western Conference semi-final.

Griffin elevated for a dunk in the third quarter and had a good position on Howard, who ensured that Griffin couldn't throw down by shoving him to the floor.

A common foul was called, despite the home fans' cries for a flagrant and Griffin believes that it was simply "playoff basketball".

"Hard fouls are a part of a playoff basketball, and I think that's how basketball should be," said Griffin.

"I don't take those fouls personally. My job is to go hit some free throws. We have to keep in mind what the bigger picture is, and that's ultimately winning."

LA cruised to a 128-95 victory to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. They are one win away from reaching the Conference Finals for the first time in their history.