CJ McCollum’s shot at the buzzer was not good, and the Portland Trail Blazers’ improved effort against the Los Angeles Clippers was thereby spoiled. At the final whistle, it was the Clippers who were on the right side of a 113-112 heartthrob.
The Blazers missed Damian Lillard for the third consecutive game along with Jusuf Nurkic, but they seemed in a good position to get to the final seconds of the zone.
McCollum led the way for Portland with 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Norman Powell added 23 points.
First quarter
Maybe it was the Clippers who played without Kawhi Leonard, or maybe it was much-needed desperation on the part of the Blazers, but Portland was able to get into the rhythm early and avoid the seemingly inevitable hole in the first quarter that caused their downfall was like the last time. McCollum and Powell were both doing their thing: They found gold in the hills to speed up offensive and attacked before Los Angeles could sink in its clutches with the defense. They were all systems, as the two just put their heads down and went to the edge at full speed, taking what the disrupted defenses would give them. It was a relief, but accompanied by a familiar hint of defensive flaws. The Blazers struggled with the long grand piano combo of Paul George’s and Marcus Morris Sr.’s Clippers, who were seemingly capable of getting what they wanted from any level. A moving float from McCollum in the closing moments gave Portland a small 31-30 lead after one.
Second quarter
The second units for both sides have done a good job of keeping the intensity up. For the Blazers, it was Rondae Hollis-Jefferson who gave a live audition on why he deserves another contract while serving as the team’s de-facto backup center against objectively great human DeMarcus Cousins. Hollis-Jefferson’s stats don’t look flashy, but along with Nassir Little, the two provided a big boost in the crowds and helped keep Portland afloat while most of the firepower rested on the bench. When McCollum and Powell returned, the Blazers rattled off a quick 12-2 run and were 10 points ahead, but LA didn’t take long to retreat to a bucket. Free throws by Carmelo Anthony kept a 60-56 lead at the half.
Third quarter
McCollum continued to dominate the ball for most of the quarter, but generated only moderate success. When he was able to get closer to the basket, his finesse play seemed on the right spot; when he settled for three, not so much. Still, it was enough to stay, while the Clippers wandered as if totally oblivious to the fragile state of Portland’s trust. George remained an eyesore, along with Reggie Jackson, both of whom continued to contribute to LA’s ridiculous outdoor shooting season as they took a four-point lead on their way to the final frame.
Fourth quarter
The Clippers haven’t really gone to great lengths to rule this one out. They rolled out with Cousins and the banking squad for nearly half of the quarter, by which time Portland had stormed out to regain a five-point lead. LA rallied behind George when he returned, but the Blazers were still ahead of 112-107 with just over a minute to go. From there, it was a series of worst-case scenarios. George scored six consecutive runs, including two return free throws after a questionable error with 4.8 seconds to go. McCollum had the chance to be the hero on the other side, but his 4-meter pull-up just couldn’t find it.
Box Score
What’s next
The Blazers will stay in town tomorrow night to take on the Denver Nuggets at the Moda Center – the tip is set at 7pm Pacific.