LA Clippers defeat Portland with Kawhi Leonard coming up big in the 4th quarter- November 2019
The LA Clippers took on the Portland Trailblazers at the Staples Center on a back to back night after losing to the Milwaukee Bucks. They were in much better shape with the return of Kawhi Leonard, who sat out the Bucks game due to load management. Leonard started out slow vs the Blazers as did the team. Portland, who have been struggling this season, were controlling the game till the 4th quarter when Leonard took over scoring 16 points (27 overall with 13 rebounds) and providing LA with a much needed win. The Clippers have high expectations this year and are the NBA favorites to win the championship. They are awaiting the return of their other superstar Paul George, who is supposed to return in a week or so.
6th man of the year last year Lou Williams added 26 points while super sub Montrez Harrell and center Zubac added 15 each. Portland was led by Damien Lillard and CJ Mccollum with 22 points each (both 9-23 shooting) while Hassan Whiteside recovered from a horrible first half to end with 17 points and 19 rebounds. Both teams are battling early season injuries but the Clippers are in the middle of the West while Portland is under-achieving. Doc Rivers was proud of the comeback and the team not giving up. He said the team still needs to gel and play together better. More at www.nba.com/clippers