The Los Angeles Clippers pulled away from the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter Thursday night in Portland to earn a 114-106 win in their season opener. Portland moved to 1-1 with the loss.
The contest had a playoff atmosphere throughout, featuring several hard fouls, complaints after questionable calls and high effort. In the end, though, it was the Clippers' star power that shined through. Chris Paul ended with an efficient 27 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Blake Griffin added 27 points and 12 rebounds himself.
Damian Lillard scored 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Portland, but most of his production came either in the first quarter or in the waning minutes of the game when the outcome is basically decided.
The biggest X-factor in the game was Los Angeles' bench, which played stifling defense and was led on offense by Marreese Speights' 15 points in 15 minutes.
The Clippers will be back in action Sunday against the Utah Jazz for their home opener. The Blazers, meanwhile, visit the Denver Nuggets Saturday night.
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Article written by Jared Johnson