Paul George scored 31 points, Kawhi Leonard had 22 and the Los Angeles Clippers swept a two-game set in Portland, beating the Trail Blazers 125-117 on Friday night.
At 44-25, the Clippers are a game and a half ahead of New Orleans for the fourth seed in the Western Conference playoff race.
“We don’t watch them,” George said of the Pelicans. “It’s more about us. We have to play well and we are in charge. So it’s more about us.
Scoot Henderson had 24 points and 10 assists for Portland in its fifth straight loss. The Trail Blazers were without starting center Deandre Ayton and lost lead Anfernee Simons midway through the third quarter to a left knee injury.
Portland coach Chauncey Billups said there was “no update” on Simons after the game.
The Clippers shot 42% from 3-point range and were 56% overall. George was 10 of 14 from the field and Leonard was 9 of 15.
“When you play a team like that, they’re going to make shots,” Henderson said. “You just have to deal with it, move on to the next play and you have to match that and try to get a save again. If they keep shooting, that’s it. We have to face it. »
Los Angeles’ largest lead was 26 points, with Leonard and George out in the fourth quarter.
“I just want us to be healthy,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “The West is difficult anyway, no matter who we play or where you play. Whether you start at home or on the road, it’s going to be tough. So it doesn’t really bother me or phase me. We just need to be healthy.
FOLLOWING
Clippers: Host Philadelphia on Sunday.
Trail Blazers: Host Denver on Saturday night.
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