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PORTLAND, Ore. — The Clippers make it three straight by routing the Portland Trail Blazers 118-89 on Thursday night. Los Angeles took over the game early and never let up. The Clippers are now 23-17 after the win and will be back in action on Sunday night at home against crosstown rival Los Angeles Lakers.
Here are some takeaways from the Clippers win over the Trail Blazers:
The Clips never trail in the win
After struggles early in their past two games, the Clippers made sure they didn’t play with their food tonight.
Los Angeles pounced on the lowly Trail Blazers early and never let up.
A day after a historical blowout of the Nets, the Clippers dominated in Portland never trailing once in the game.
You saw a focused group who realized they were clearly the better team and didn’t want to give any hope to the Trail Blazers.
This was back-to-back wins which allowed the Clippers to rest their top players late. Kawhi Leonard did not suit up in the game.
Dominate defense continues to lead the way
Three straights wins and three straight games the Clippers have held their opponent under 100 points.
Tonight they allowed just 89 points to a struggling Portland team. They forced 16 turnovers and made everything tough all night as the Trail Blazers shot just 37.4% from the field and 26.5% from 3.
In the the last three games the Clippers are allowing just 85 points per game.
Kris Dunn has been the leader of the Clippers defense and collected three steals on the night and slow down the Blazers best player Scoot Henderson.
The Clippers have offensive weapons but its been their defense that’s led them all year and will be the reason why they continue to play well.
Balance is a key to success
The Clippers know who their top scorers are but it’s their balance on offense that can help them make a run.
Norman Powell’s 23 points and James Harden’s 19 led the Clippers in scoring the night and have been the top two scoring guys for the team.
Once again they had help with four other guys joining them in double figures.
Los Angeles shot 56.4% from the field and 43.5% from 3.
It’s been a group effort on both ends and that’s why they have surprised so many basketball fans with their play so far this season.