Paul George drains clutch free throws to ensure LA Clippers inch past Portland Trail Blazers

Paul George led the LA Clippers with 33 in their most recent outing against Portland Trail Blazers including 2 clutch free throws with just less than 5 seconds remaining on the clock. It was the 6^th time in 7 games that Paul George had 32 points or more. While Kawhi Leonard sat out due to foot soreness, George was supported by Morris Sr who scores next best 16 points. 

CJ McCullum knocked team high 28 points, while Norman Powell had 23 points who played without their marquee star Damian Lillard. With this loss Portland Trail Blazers lost all their 3 series games against LA Clippers in this season. 

Paul George scores 33 to lead LA Clippers past Portland Trail Blazers 

Reggie Jackson’s 3-pointer pulled the LA Clippers within 102-99 with 4:29 left, but McCollum answered with a 3 for Portland. Anthony padded the lead with a jumper. 

After Paul George made free throws, Ivica Zubac’s layup narrowed it to 109-107. McCollum again answered with a 3. But George’s basket got La Clippers within a point with 33 seconds left. CJ McCollum missed a corner 3 and with 4.8 seconds to go Paul George made a pair of free throws to give the LA Clippers the lead. McCollum missed a jumper on what he felt was a good look. 

Damian Lillard, ranked third in the league with 28.7 points per game, missed his third straight game with a hamstring injury. Portland was also missing center Jusuf Nurkic, who was held out for knee pain management for the first game of a back-to-back. Enes Kanter started in Nurkic’s place. 

On the LA Clippers’ side, Kawhi Leonard was out with right foot soreness. He missed four games last week, three because of the foot. 

Also Read: James Harden back to square one after setback in hamstring rehab