Clippers go cold down the stretch in loss to Blazers
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.
“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.”
But then there also will be lowlights, such as Harden’s poor shooting performance in a 106-105 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome. It was the fourth time in as many games for the Clippers that the outcome was decided in the final minute.
Harden missed 12 of 18 shots, but he still managed five 3-pointers for 19 points, 10 assists and five rebounds in the first game of their second back-to-back set this season. The Clippers (2-2) host the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.
“I think they were just trying to wear him down,” Lue said. “They were throwing different bodies at him, pressuring him full-court, in the half-court leaning on him, top blocking, just trying to wear him down.
“They have great defenders and so they could throw multiple bodies at him and that’s what they did tonight.”
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.
Powell said the team, which lost to the Blazers for the first time since 2021, needs to stay together down the stretch to avoid close games.
“Really, really locking in on what we need to do offensively and defensively, being tied in, getting guys out of their comfort zone defensively and gang rebound, finishing possessions,” Powell said. “I think they got a lot of extra possessions that kept them in the game and gave them some like feel-good looks after playing some really good defense for 24 seconds.
“So, learning how to execute and close games on the defensive end and then offensively just continue to execute and continue to take our time, not letting teams push us or getting sped up late games.”
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 in the final 3:30. 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 at the free-throw line to let the game slip away.
Ivica Zubac stepped to the line with the Clippers down 106-105 and 1:20 left, but he missed both free throws. The Clippers never got another shot up.
“We got to find a way to win. Obviously, we want to blow teams out, but if that’s not the case, then we find ways to win,” Harden said. “Every scenario has been different. Tonight, we just didn’t capitalize and we didn’t close. Me missing free throws can’t happen.”
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. The veteran, 31, is averaging 24.7 points in four games.
The Blazers made it difficult on Harden and the Clippers late, when 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. 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 floater at the buzzer made it a four-point game.