Streaking Clippers host Trail Blazers
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[November 09, 2016]
LOS ANGELES -- Off to a
franchise-best 6-1 start after mauling the Detroit Pistons, the Los
Angeles Clippers will try to continue their strong play when the
host the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday.
Defense has been the story for the Clippers, who share top
billing in the Western Conference with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Los Angeles is riding a three-game winning streak since the Clippers
dropped their only game, an 85-83 defeat vs. the Thunder on Nov. 2.
The Clippers lead the NBA in scoring defense at 89.4 points per game
while producing 104.3, a differential of 14.9. They have limited
opponents to 40 percent shooting.
"I think, when you start off the season, you always wonder what your
team identity is going to be. And, when you get a few games under
your belt, you start to see that," said Clippers point guard Chris
Paul, who scored 24 points on 8-of-10 shooting, hitting all five of
his 3-pointers in only three quarters, in a dominant 114-82 romp
over the Pistons on Monday night at Staples Center. Paul also had
eight assists and six rebounds.
"I think now our team is excited about our defense. We get excited
about stopping teams and trying to keep them under a certain number.
I think that is something that can be contagious all season long,"
said Paul, who led the NBA with 3.29 steals per game heading into
Wednesday.
Against the Trail Blazers, the Clippers have won four straight and
seven of their last nine regular-season meetings, including a
114-106 decision on Oct. 27. The Trail Blazers, though, bounced the
Clippers from the first round of the playoffs last season after
injuries eliminated Paul and Blake Griffin from the series.
Portland, the only team to top 100 points against the Clippers this
season, is playing the second game of a back-to-back after a 124-121
win over Phoenix on Tuesday night. Damian Lillard scored 38 points,
22 in the final quarter. Backcourt mate C.J. McCollum added 33 as
the Trail Blazers won their third in a row.
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Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) is fouled by Portland Trail
Blazers guard Evan Turner (1) during the third quarter at Moda
Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA
TODAY Sports
"Dame was clutch," Portland coach Terry Stotts said. "He made his
free throws. We were struggling without him. Seemed like he made
every big play he had to."
It was the first time McCollum has topped 30 points in consecutive
games in his career.
Portland lost forward Al-Farouq Aminu (calf) in the first quarter of
the contest against Phoenix. His status for the Clippers' game is
unknown.
The Trail Blazers have relied on their offense for wins to overcome
a struggling defense. The Blazers were allowing 109.3 points per
game, which ranked 25th in the league, entering the contest against
Phoenix. Portland was averaging 108.3 points.
However, the Trail Blazers have been one of the league's best from
long distance, averaging 11.3 3-pointers before Tuesday.
They will be pressed to duplicate those numbers against the
Clippers, who have limited the opposition to seven 3-pointers a game
in their seven outings.
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