Norman Powell continued his career-best campaign, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a commanding 127-105 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night.
Powell dropped 30 points, setting the tone early and helping the Clippers pull away for their second win in NBA Cup West Group A play.
Clippers’ Offensive Firepower
James Harden added 23 points to go with Powell’s standout performance, while Amir Coffey chipped in 19 points, including five 3-pointers. Derrick Jones Jr. contributed 15 points as Los Angeles shot an impressive 55.3% from the field and 51.4% from beyond the arc. The Clippers tallied a season-high 127 points in a game defined by their offensive efficiency.
Portland’s DeAndre Ayton led the way for the Trail Blazers with 16 points, while Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija each scored 15. However, Portland’s defensive struggles once again proved to be a major obstacle, allowing the Clippers to dictate the pace throughout the contest.
Early Momentum for Powell
Powell wasted no time asserting himself, scoring 14 of the Clippers’ first 24 points, including three triples. His quick start set the tone for a high-scoring night as Los Angeles took control early. Powell, now averaging a career-best 23.9 points per game, has become a key offensive leader for the Clippers, showcasing his ability to deliver on the big stage.
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Trail Blazers Rally Falls Short
Portland showed resilience, cutting a double-digit deficit to just two points at 72-70 midway through the third quarter. However, the Clippers responded emphatically with a game-defining 34-10 run. During that stretch, Powell, Harden, and Mo Bamba connected from deep, sparking an 11-0 surge that pushed the lead out of reach.
Defensive Struggles Plague Portland
The Trail Blazers’ defensive woes continued, as they allowed at least 120 points for the fourth time in their last five games. In 22 games this season, Portland has held an opponent under 100 points just once, highlighting an area in dire need of improvement.
Harden Reaches Milestone
James Harden quietly made history during the game, surpassing Paul Pierce for 17th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 26,399 points. Harden’s consistent production has been critical for the Clippers as they aim to solidify their standing in the Western Conference.
Clippers Find Their Groove
Los Angeles is beginning to gel offensively, with their depth on full display. Coffey’s five triples and Jones Jr.’s 15-point contribution gave the Clippers a balanced attack, helping them maintain control against a struggling Portland team.
Takeaways
Clippers: Powell’s offensive explosion underscores his emergence as a reliable scorer for Los Angeles. The team’s ability to share the scoring load, with contributions from both starters and the bench, positions them well for upcoming challenges.
Trail Blazers: Portland continues to falter defensively, and their inability to contain perimeter shooters hurt them against the Clippers. Despite flashes of offensive promise, the team needs to address its defensive lapses to remain competitive.
Key Moment
The turning point came late in the third quarter when the Clippers responded to Portland’s rally with a devastating 34-10 run. The combination of 3-pointers and defensive stops during that stretch effectively sealed the game for Los Angeles.
Looking Ahead
The Clippers will look to maintain their momentum when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers aim to regroup as they prepare to host the Utah Jazz on Friday.
Los Angeles proved their offensive might in this dominant performance, with Powell leading the charge. As the season progresses, the Clippers will hope to build on this win and capitalize on their improving chemistry.
