Harden and Lopez Lead Clippers to Third Straight Win Over Trail Blazers.

PORTLAND, Ore. — James Harden scored 34 points and Brook Lopez added 31, including a career-high nine 3-pointers, as the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 119-103 on Friday night for their third consecutive win. Kawhi Leonard contributed 28 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, scoring 18 points in the fourth quarter to help seal the victory. For Portland, Deni Avdija led the team with 27 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.

The Clippers dominated the second half, outscoring the Blazers 63-41, including a decisive 19-1 run in the third quarter. Portland briefly held a 71-59 lead with 8:16 left in the third quarter, but Lopez’s seventh 3-pointer sparked the Clippers’ comeback. After Lopez’s eighth and ninth 3-pointers, Los Angeles took control, eventually extending their lead to 85-77 following a four-point play by Harden.

Leonard added a ferocious dunk on Donovan Clingan, helping push the lead further. Portland attempted a late comeback, but the Clippers maintained control with key plays from Harden and Lopez. After the Clippers trimmed Portland’s halftime lead to 52-50, the Blazers went on a 9-0 run capped by a Shaedon Sharpe fast-break dunk. However, a three-point play by Harden and a 3-pointer from Kobe Sanders helped Los Angeles head into the second half with momentum, eventually turning the game in their favor.