Clippers rally past Lillard-less Trail Blazers 118-112

The Los Angeles Clippers defeated Anfernee Simons and the Portland Trail Blazers 118-112 on Tuesday night thanks majorly to Norman Powell, who scored 22 of his team-high 32 points in the fourth quarter.

With 24 points and 12 assists, Reggie Jackson led the Clippers to their second consecutive victory. Ivica Zubac contributed an extra 12 points and 13 rebounds.

After three quarters, Los Angeles were down 95-82 but outscored Portland 36-17 to win the game. In the fourth, Powell, a reserve, shot 7 of 9 from the field.

Simons had a great game, hitting nine 3-pointers and scoring 37 points, but Portland mishandled it. Jerami Grant had 32 points. Jusuf Nurkic finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Justise Winslow racked up 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Simons attributed the defeat to the fact that "they started going on their run and we just couldn't get stops." "The tide turned, and they played with lots of vigor."

With 3:13 left in the third, Simons' three-pointer gave the Trail Blazers a 91-73 advantage. However, they fell down the stretch.

Powell trimmed the Blazers' advantage to 98-93 with a layup after being dealt by Portland to the Clippers along with Robert Covington.

With 1.59 remaining Clippers were leading by 3, 113-110. Nicolas Batum ended with 3 points but much of the fourth quarter he was guarding Simons.

Damian Lillard has been out injured with a calf strain and his return is still unknown.

Next match for Trail Blazers is at L.A Lakers on Wednesday night and on the same night Clippers visit Utah Jazz.