Clippers Blaze A Trail

It was not a stretch to say the Los Angeles Clippers were under pressure. Having lost 4 of their last 5 games; their status as championship contenders was growing flimsier by the day; not least with a record of just 11-12 going into this one.

Against the Portland Trail Blazers; another team having a disappointing season; and without their two star players in Damian Lillard & CJ McCollum; could provide just the best tonic. And so it proved as the Clippers answered the call; riding the back of another immense Paul George finish to see out the Blazers deep into the game.

The Blazers put up a valiant effort; and the result of this contest was by no means decided till the very end. Jusuf Nurkic used his power to overcome Ivica Zubac and the rest of the Clipper defenders to devastating effect; putting up a season-high 31 points; while Norman Powell impressed again with 29. But in the end; the 'strength by committee' worked well for the Clippers; who will be more relieved than anything to get this one over the line.