Norman Powell led the Los Angeles Clippers to a dominant 127-105 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night, scoring 30 points and helping the Clippers finish their NBA Cup West Group A play on a high note.
James Harden also contributed with 23 points in the win, as Los Angeles shot an impressive 55.3% from the field and 51.4% from three-point range.
The Clippers, now 14-9, finished their NBA Cup pool play with a 2-2 record, while the Trail Blazers, at 8-14, also ended with a 2-2 record in the group. Neither team advanced to the quarterfinals of the competition.
Powell set the tone early, scoring 14 of the Clippers’ first 24 points, including three 3-pointers. His hot start propelled Los Angeles to an early lead, and they never looked back.
The Clippers’ offensive efficiency was on full display, with Amir Coffey adding 19 points, including five 3-pointers. Derrick Jones Jr. chipped in 15 points, and the team hit a season-high 19 three-pointers.
Portland had difficulty containing the Clippers’ offense. Despite a strong individual performance from DeAndre Ayton, who scored 16 points, the Trail Blazers struggled defensively.
Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija each contributed 15 points for Portland, but their efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Clippers’ shooting spree.
Powell, who is enjoying the best season of his career, now averages a career-high 23.9 points per game. His efficient shooting continues to be a major asset for the Clippers, who also saw contributions from Harden and other key players.
Harden’s 23 points were highlighted by his 8-of-9 free-throw shooting, and he also surpassed Paul Pierce to move into 17th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, with 26,399 points.
The Clippers’ defense was solid as well, limiting the Trail Blazers to just 41-80 shooting from the field. Portland struggled from three-point range, shooting 34.5%, and could not keep up with Los Angeles’ high-scoring pace.
