----- Paul George finished with 36 points and Kawhi Leonard scored 29 points and pulled down 12 rebounds as the LA Clippers hammered the Portland Trail Blazers 133-116 Tuesday night at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Where's the defense?
Portland gives up a franchise-record 47 points in the first quarter as the LA Clippers cruise to a 133-116 victory over the Trail Blazers Tuesday night at Staples Center.
Paul George scored a game-high 36 points and Kawhi Leonard finished with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists as the Clippers connected on 51.7% of their field goals including 16-of-41 from three-point range.
George shot 11 of 18, made six 3-pointers and hit all eight of his free throws. He finished three points off his season high of 39.
The Clippers got 44 points from their bench. Reggie Jackson led the way with 23 points.
Norman Powell led Portland (30-20) with 32 points and CJ McCollum added 24 points and six assists.
The Clippers were committed to blitzing and trapping Damian Lillard from the start and their strategy paid off. Lillard finished with 11 points on 2-of-14 shooting.
Trailing 62-36, the Blazers outscored the Clippers 30-11 to close within seven at halftime.
The Clippers extended their lead to 14 points early in the third. Portland ran off 12 in a row, getting 3-pointers from Powell and Robert Covington, to close to 84-82. That's the closest the Blazers came after trailing by 26 in the first half.
Los Angeles closed with an 18-7 spurt to lead 101-89 going into the fourth.
Up Next- The Portland Trail Blazers will travel to Salt Lake City to meet the Utah Jazz Thursday night at Vivint Arena. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM.
Chad's Take- Can't give up 47 points in the first quarter and expect a road win against the Clippers.