Tue Dec 30 04:00:00 UTC 2025: Headline: Clippers Surge Past Trail Blazers in Second Half, Secure Third Straight Win
Portland, OR – The Los Angeles Clippers powered past the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, securing a 119-103 victory behind stellar performances from James Harden, Brook Lopez, and Kawhi Leonard. The win marks the Clippers’ third in a row.
Harden led all scorers with 34 points, while Lopez exploded for 31 points, including a career-high nine three-pointers. Leonard contributed a strong 28 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, with 18 of his points coming in the decisive fourth quarter.
Despite a strong first half, where Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 27 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, Portland couldn’t maintain their momentum. A 19-1 Clippers run in the third quarter shifted the game’s momentum, after the Trail Blazers had a 71-59 lead.
The turning point came late in the third quarter. After Lopez’s seventh three-pointer, a technical foul called on acting Blazers coach Tiago Splitter allowed Leonard to convert a free throw. Harden then tied the game, and Lopez drained his eighth and ninth three-pointers to give the Clippers the lead for good.
A key moment in the fourth quarter featured a highlight-reel dunk by Leonard over Portland’s Donovan Clingan, extending the Clippers’ lead. After a basket by Avdija cut LA’s lead to 7, the Clippers had a six-point possession to push their lead to 101-88 with 8:19 left.
The Clippers will return home to face the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night, while the Trail Blazers will host the Boston Celtics on the same day.
First Piper 