Clippers Defeat Trail Blazers 127-105

The Portland Trail Blazers suffered a 127-105 defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers, marking their fourth loss in five games and ending their chances of advancing in the NBA Cup. Norman Powell led the Clippers with 30 points, while James Harden contributed 23 points and surpassed Paul Pierce on the NBA's all-time scoring list. The Blazers' Deandre Ayton scored 16 points, with Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija each adding 15, but the team's defense struggled, allowing over 120 points in four of their last five games. Despite Portland cutting the lead to two points in the third quarter, the Clippers responded with a significant scoring run, pulling away decisively. The result eliminated both teams from further contention in the NBA Cup, leaving the Clippers with a nine-game home winning streak. The Blazers will next host the Utah Jazz, while the Clippers face the Minnesota Timberwolves.