PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Portland Trail Blazers moved up into the No. 8 spot in the West, overtaking the LA Clippers with a convincing 116-97 home win on Friday night.
Portland used a 17-2 run in the first half to take quick command of the game only to see the Clippers score the first two buckets of the fourth quarter to move ahead 88-86. But the Blazers responded with a 23-5 run, sparked by a pair of driving dunks by Robert Williams III.
“I told the guys they are going to make runs, we have to be patient and resilient,” Blazers coach Tiago Splitter said.
Deni Avdija led the Blazers with 35 points, while Donovan Clingan added 18 points and 13 rebounds.
Portland bench outscored the Clippers 40-21 — a 19-point advantage that matched the final margin of victory. Williams III led the bench effort with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Portland (41-40) secures the No. 8 seed and a winning record for the season if they beat Sacramento on Sunday night at Moda Center. The Blazers would also be that No. 8 seed if the Clippers lose to Golden State on Sunday.
With the No. 8 seed, Portland would play at Phoenix on Tuesday night with the winner clinching a playoff berth.