Clippers outlasts Blazers 118-112

Los Angeles Clippers forward Norman Powell loved playing for the Blazers earlier in his career. The love that was shown to Powell pre-game was very evident by ushers, floor security, and play-by-play announcers in Portland. Many hugs were exchanged and several moments of pleasantry. As soon as tip-off happened, Norman Powell blocked out any distraction and went to work. He ended the game with 32 points on 10 of 16 shooting with 4 made three-pointers.

Surprisingly, he scored 22 of his 32 points in the 4th quarter. “When you get traded from somewhere you want to play well against them. I thought he was a little too excited in the first half. We’re always going to stay with our guys and he had 24 points in the second half, really attacking the basket, getting to the paint, and getting to the free-throw line. He’s been playing great for about the last 3-4 weeks,” Clippers coach Ty Lue emphasized.

Contributing for the LA Clippers was also Reggie Jackson, who had 24 points and 12 assists and steady play from Ivica Zubac that contributed 13 rebounds on 12 points. It was essential that Clippers got scoring from several players as Paul George and Kawhi Leonard did not make the trip. Robert Covington (15 points) and Terance Mann (11 points) also helped in a major way. Clippers had a total of 48 team rebounds and shot the ball from the free throw line an efficient 82.1%.

For Portland, the emergence of Anfernee Simons has the entire league on high alert. His 9 three pointers which led to 37 points was truly a sight to see for Blazers fans as they await the return of their All-Star Damian Lillard. Simons knows that it takes more than just scoring when it comes to teams that are built like the Clippers. They started going on their run and we just couldn’t get stops. The momentum flipped and they played with a lot of energy.”

The Clippers get their 13th win of the season beating the Blazers 118-112 and now head to Utah for a back-to-back against the Jazz while the Trail Blazers stop in Los Angeles to play the Lakers as part of a back-to-back as well.