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Blazers extend win streak to 13 with 122-109 win over Clippers

By Nate Mann

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 30: Los Angeles Clippers Guard Milos Teodosic (4) looks up to the sky after air balling a three point shot during an NBA game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 30, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 30: Los Angeles Clippers Guard Milos Teodosic (4) looks up to the sky after air balling a three point shot during an NBA game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 30, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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In a game of runs, the Portland Trail Blazers rode the three-point ball to a double-digit victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Blazers left the safety of the Moda Center to take on the Clippers at the Staples Center. With a win, Portland extends its lead in third place of the Western Conference, as well as the league-leading win streak.

After an early comeback scare, the Blazers connected on too many shots for the Clippers to keep up with. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined for 44 points on 50% shooting in the win.

Game Summary

Blazers started off the game quickly, taking a 15-6 lead behind contributions from just about all the starters. Damian Lillard led the way with 9 first quarter points and the Blazers led 24-18 after one.

Portland’s bench, a integral part of the 12-game win streak, let the Clippers back in the game. Lou Williams sparked a brief LA run that returned the lead to the home team, 31-30. Terry Stotts subbed the starters back in and an immediate 10-0 run (7 from Maurice Harkless) ensued.

Unfortunately, the Clippers answered with an 8-0 run of their own, ending the first half with the Blazers ahead, 58-52.

The third quarter kicked off the same as the first: strong. A 12-4 run extended the lead to 14 points as shots continued to fall for the Blazers. LAC promptly replied with a 9 straight points, a run stopped by a contested Zach Collins three-pointer.

Just as the lead started to grow again, the Clippers put together another 9-0 run and finished out the quarter only trailing by 10.

Could the Blazers hold on to a 10-point lead through the last 12 minutes? Yes.

All the shots were hitting bottom of the net and the lead nearly reached 20 points with under 5 minutes to play. Crucial three-pointers from Al-Farouq Aminu and Harkless put the game to bed, the final score being 122-109.

Player of the Game

Since Damian Lillard has won player of the game for over a month straight now, we’ll give it to CJ McCollum tonight. He scored 21 points on 9/17 shooting in 32 minutes. McCollum also recorded 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal and block.

Most importantly, he hit a heavily contested corner three with five minutes remaining to squash any hopes of a Clippers comeback run.

Play of the Game

Montrezl Harrell was having his way down low against the Blazers big men. Ed Davis, Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins combined for 12 fouls, most of which where on Harrell. Finally, Nurkic got revenge with an emphatic block off the backboard, ending any idea of a Clippers comeback.

Stats from the Game

  • Terry Stotts takes sole possession of third place for wins by a head coach in franchise history with 267.
  • The Blazers shot 50% from the field and passed for 24 assists.
  • Ed Davis fouled out in only 11 minutes of play.
  • Despite big men foul trouble, Portland outrebounded LA, 47-38.
  • Damian Lillard has knocked down at least one three-pointer in 52 straight games.

Next: HoopsHype interview with Jusuf Nurkic

The Blazers are now 44-26 on the season, two full games ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder for third place. The win streak is at 13 in a row, by far the best in the league.

Portland heads home to face the Houston Rockets on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. PT. The game will be aired on TNT and could the Blazers 14th straight victory.