Clippers go cold down the stretch in loss to Blazers

10/31/2024 12:25 AM

INGLEWOOD — Four games are a small sample size to judge how any player will finish the season. But it's difficult not to imagine the heights James Harden will reach this season.

Already, the three-time scoring champion, without the restraints of two other stars, is producing numbers far above what he achieved last season. He added to his growing resume Wednesday with another strong performance in a 106-105 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

"It's a different team, different circumstances," Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. "Last year coming in – having PG (Paul George) and Kawhi (Leonard) – not wanting to step on any one's toes coming to another player's team – he was just trying to fit in."

While he wasn't his team's leading scorer – a distinction that belonged to Norman Powell (30 points) – Harden seemed to have his hands in all areas. The 35-year-old point guard found teammates for baskets, scored 3-pointers, dove for loose balls, rebounded others and forced turnovers in his 32 minutes.

Harden finished with 19 points, including five 3-pointers, 10 assists and five rebounds as the Clippers dropped their first game to Portland since 2021.

Anfernee Simons scored 25 points and Deandre Ayton had 15 points and 12 rebounds to pace Portland. Deni Avdija added 13 points and 10 rebounds and made a game-saving block when he stuffed Powell on a fast break with 29 seconds remaining to preserve a one-point lead.

Scoot Henderson added 14 points and Toumani Camara had 12 points for Portland, which trailed the entire fourth quarter until Simons made a go-ahead layup with 2:44 remaining.

The Clippers made only one field goal and scored just three points and in the final 3:30 of the game. After taking a 102-99 lead on a 3-pointer by Harden with 3:35 remaining, they turned the ball over twice, had a pair of shots blocked and went 1 for 4 on free throws to let the game slip away.

Ivica Zubac stepped to the line with the Clippers down 106-105 and 1:20 remaining, but he missed both free throws. The Clippers never got another shot up.

With Leonard continuing to sit out because of inflammation in his right knee, the Clippers are relying more and more on Harden. And the 16-year veteran has taken on the challenge.

"This year has been totally different," Lue said. "We need him to do a lot more scoring, we need his passing ability and making the plays. So, I think he feels good, and we have to see how it goes for the rest of the season."

From the start of Wednesday's game, Harden was in charge. He found Powell, who cut to the basket for the first two points. Minutes later, he connected with Terance Mann on an alley-oop dunk and the Clippers led, 8-0.

He kept going.

Given the makeup of this year's Clippers team, Lue said any player could step up at any time. "It could be anybody's night," Lue said. "You're hoping your guys will take their shots."

As it turned out, it was not only Harden's night but Powell's as well. He is averaging 24.7 points in four games.

The Blazers made it difficult on Harden and the Clippers, pushing them down the stretch but turnovers and missed opportunities cost them a chance at a third consecutive victory.

After jumping out to a quick lead, the Clippers offense slowed and then suffered a lapse at the start of the second quarter. From there, they struggled to keep the game close as Portland led, 54-50, at halftime, a score made closer on Powell's floater at the buzzer.

The Blazers, behind the first-half scoring of Ayton and Simons, built a 54-43 lead before Coffey scored back-to-back baskets, including a 3-pointer, to pull the Clippers to within six, 54-48. Powell's buzzer beater further trimmed the lead to two.

More to come on this story.