The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 116-97 on Friday night at Moda Center, a result that directly impacts the Western Conference play-in positioning. Portland improved its case in the standings, while Los Angeles remains in a tightly contested race.
Avdija led Portland with 35 points on 11-for-19 shooting, including 12-for-13 from the free-throw line. He added 4 rebounds and 5 assists while controlling key possessions late in the game.
Donovan Clingan provided a strong interior presence with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Portland consistently generated second-chance opportunities and controlled the paint against Los Angeles’ front line.
Robert Williams III added 13 points and 10 rebounds, helping Portland finish with a 46-35 rebounding advantage. The Blazers also managed key defensive stops despite a turnover-heavy season profile.
Portland opened the game with early rhythm and built a 55-35 first-half lead through efficient transition scoring and interior finishing. The Clippers struggled to stabilize possession against Portland’s pressure defense.
Los Angeles responded in the third quarter, briefly taking momentum after Jordan Miller’s three-pointer gave them an 82-79 lead. Kawhi Leonard finished with 24 points and 8 rebounds, keeping the Clippers within striking distance during the surge.
Portland quickly regained control, tying the game at 82 before pushing the tempo in transition. Avdija’s three-point play and subsequent free throws restored separation, shifting momentum back to the home team.
A decisive late run followed, with Avdija scoring from multiple levels, including a three-pointer that extended Portland’s lead to 109-93. The Blazers closed the game without allowing another meaningful Clippers response.
With the win, Portland moves to 40-40 and remains positioned in the Western Conference play-in race. Los Angeles drops to 41-39, maintaining a narrow edge but with limited margin in the 8th seed battle.
Shaedon Sharpe returned after missing 28 games and contributed 8 points in 15 minutes. Portland now turns its attention to a crucial matchup against Sacramento, while the Clippers host Golden State next.
