Despite being without Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, the Los Angeles Clippers held a five-point lead over the Portland Trail Blazers at the half. But that lead wouldn't last, as the Trail Blazers came out hot in the second half and went on to grab a 108-98 win Wednesday night. The Blazers took a 3-2 series lead with the win and it's their third straight win over the Blazers.
It was a 71-71 game at the start of the third quarter, but the Blazers dominated the final frame. They started the fourth quarter on a 19-6 run and never gave up the lead.
Damian Lillard struggled early, with just six points on 1 of 10 shooting in the first three quarters. But he came out firing in the fourth quarter and finished with 22 points and five assists on 7 of 20 shooting. C.J. McCollum had another strong effort, with 26 points. Moe Harkless was big early and finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Mason Plumlee had another impressive effort in the paint, recording 10 points and 15 boards. Six of the eight Blazer rotation players had double figures.
DeAndre Jordan, Jamaal Crawford, J.J. Redick and Jeff Green led the way for the Clippers in the absence of Paul and Griffin. Jordan had 16 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks. Crawford had 17 points, although he was 6 of 23 from the field. Green added 17 points, six rebounds and three steals off the bench. Redick had 19 points and hit 3 of 6 3-pointers.
Game 6 of the series is Friday in Portland. The tip-off time has yet to be announced.
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