5 days ago1 min read

Blazers Outlast Clippers in a Tight Finish

Updated: 4 days ago

In the opening game of their back-to-back home stand, the Clippers narrowly missed victory, losing 106-105 to the Portland Trail Blazers, even with Norman Powell's standout 30-point performance.

Norman Powell shoots a three pointer against the Portland Trailblazers. Photo by Bryan Boado for Tangent Zine

Anfernee Simons led the Trailblazers attack with 25 points while center Deandre Ayton had a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.

For the fourth consecutive time this season, Clippers games have been determined by a narrow margin of less than 10 points, with the outcome decided until the final whistle is blown.

In the final moments of regulation, the Clippers had a chance to secure a win, but the Trailblazers' defense, highlighted by a game-sealing block from Deni Avdija, thwarted their efforts to claim their first victory at their new venue.

Still, the Clippers had one final chance to win with 3.9 seconds on the clock. But Trailblazer's center Deandre Ayton read the play and intercepted James Harden's inbound pass intended for Ivica Zubac, sealing the Blazers' victory as time expired.