Blake Griffin -- I Didn't Mean to Hit Taj Gibson ... My Bad, Bro

Blake Griffin says that brutal clothesline he delivered to Taj Gibson on Thursday was definitely not intentional -- but admits, "I certainly got him."

Griffin was out in NYC last night when we asked him about the incident that got him ejected when the Clips took on the Bulls earlier this week.

"It's unfortunate," Griffin says ... "I didn't mean to hit him but I certainly got him."

Griffin said he was sorry to Gibson after the game -- and for what it's worth, Taj says he appreciated the apology.