Clippers’ Winning Streak Comes to an End with Loss to Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers End Clippers’ Winning Streak with 114-104 Victory

In a key matchup Tuesday night, the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 114-104, halting the Clippers’ five-game winning streak. Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with an impressive performance, contributing 28 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. Jrue Holiday added to the victory by sinking seven three-pointers, finishing the game with 30 points.

The Clippers, currently sitting eighth in the Western Conference with a record of 39-37, remain just half a game ahead of the ninth-place Trail Blazers, who are at 39-38. This win marks the third meeting between the two teams this season, with the Clippers leading the series 2-1. The final matchup is scheduled for April 10 in Portland.

Toumani Camara played a significant role for the Blazers as well, scoring 17 points, while Scoot Henderson contributed 15.

Kawhi Leonard was the standout performer for the Clippers, netting 23 points. Darius Garland added 20 points, while Brook Lopez, John Collins, and Jordan Miller chipped in with 18, 17, and 16 points, respectively. Leonard has maintained a streak of at least 20 points in 52 consecutive games, marking the second-longest active streak in the NBA, surpassed only by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City.

Matisse Thybulle helped the Blazers take control early, hitting a three-pointer that put Portland ahead 31-29 at the end of the first quarter. Despite the Clippers narrowing the deficit to eight late in the third quarter, the Blazers pulled away, with Henderson capping a 16-5 run with a step-back three at the buzzer, extending Portland’s lead to 91-74 heading into the final quarter.

Portland excelled on the boards, recording 18 offensive rebounds and tallying 32 second-chance points. The Blazers entered the game leading the NBA in second-chance points and ranking second in offensive rebounds.

Avdija’s efficiency from the free-throw line was notable; he converted 11 of 12 attempts and has achieved at least 10 free-throw attempts in 31 games this season, the second-highest total in the league behind Luka Doncic.

The Blazers played without Jerami Grant, who missed his second consecutive game due to a calf injury. Looking ahead, the Clippers are set to face the San Antonio Spurs at Intuit Dome on Thursday.