Earlier this season, the Portland Trail Blazers forced the former MVP, James Harden, to turn the ball over in crunch time, which capped a 106-105 victory. Head coach Tyronn Lue received notable contributions from multiple players in the active rotation, but it was not enough to make up for Portland’s absurd shot-making.
Harden, in particular, played 32 minutes and drilled five three-pointers, which accounted for most of his 19 points. Several of his shots beyond the arc came when the Clippers needed it most, adding to his long resume of prominent buckets in the NBA.
With franchise superstar Kawhi Leonard out, stars Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac were obligated towards heavy minutes to give the Clippers a chance at success.
Although Zubac shot 2-7 from the field, Powell picked up the slack offensively by scoring 30 points on 11-22 shooting. In fact, five of his 11 made attempts were three-pointers.
In early December, the Clippers headed north to play Portland for the second time. However, this game required more preparation. They had already seen the Trail Blazers' coverages, which allowed Lue to plan differently on both sides of the ball.
As expected, the Clippers blew Portland out of their homeland, 127-105, behind another 30-piece by Powell. Amir Coffey, one of Lue’s lead bench performers, had one of his most efficient nights with 19 points and five three-pointers in 23 minutes.
Moreover, Harden covered his season averages with 23 points and seven assists in 32 minutes. These numbers seem average, but they are extremely valuable when considering how much attention he drew from Portland’s defensive game plan.
Heading into the season’s final duel, the Clippers should look to take the series. Though it may not have any playoff implications, a blow-out win would further improve LA's confidence, as they recently won by 59 points against the Brooklyn Nets.
Is Kawhi Leonard playing tonight?
Because the Clippers are on the second night of a back-to-back, Kawhi Leonard will not play against the Portland Trail Blazers. This is an understandable move from Tyronn Lue, as he recently increased Leonard’s minute restriction to 24.
Full injury report for Clippers vs Trail Blazers
Joining Kawhi Leonard will be forward P.J. Tucker, who is away from the team, as the Clippers turn to the trade market before his contract expires. In addition, two-way wing Terance Mann is day-to-day with left calf soreness.
On the Trail Blazers’ report, Deni Avdija (right ankle sprain) and Robert Williams III (illness) are doubtful. In contrast, Donovan Clingan (left ankle sprain), Jerami Grant (face contusion), Bryce McGowens (G-League), and Taze Moore (G-League) have been reported as out.