----- Damian Lillard scored 25 points as the Portland Trail Blazers improved to 9-3 on the season with a 116-105 win over the Los Angeles Clippers Thursday night at Moda Center.
The key to success in the NBA is learning how to win on nights when you don't have your best stuff, and that's what the Blazers did on Thursday night.
Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined for 48 points as the Blazers won their third-straight game with a 116-105 win over the LA Clippers Thursday night at Moda Center. The Blazers struggled to find consistency on offense until they put the Clippers away late in the fourth quarter.
A pair of free throws by Danilo Gallinari with 3:57 to play cut the Blazers lead to six at 105-99, but Portland responded with an 11-6 run to end the game with McCollum scoring five of those points on a three-pointer and a pair of free throws.
The Blazers led by nine after the first period at 37-28, but the Clippers were able to cut the deficit to four by halftime and down to three heading into the final quarter.
Portland (9-3) once again got a strong outing from their bench. Zach Collins scored 10 points and pulled down nine rebounds as the reserves poured in 41 points.
The Blazers connected on just 41.2% of their field goals, but they held a big edge in rebounding (53-41) and in second chance points (20-10). Portland shot 10-for-26 from three-point range.
LA Clippers (6-5) have now dropped four-straight games to the Trail Blazers.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers will finish up their six-game home stand Sunday against the Boston Celtics. The game is scheduled to tip off at 6:00 PM.
Chad's Take- Sometimes you have to win ugly. The Blazers did that tonight.