The Los Angeles Clippers turned what was looking like a close game into a 115-95 blowout win over the Portland Trail Blazers thanks to a strong second half.
The two sides traded the lead back and forth throughout the first half, but LA closed the first half on a 11-2 run to create a 50-42 lead into the break. The run continued in the third quarter as the Clippers opened on a 15-6 run , giving themselves a 17-point advantage. That lead would eventually balloon to 21 points, and Portland was never able to cut it to less than 16.
Chris Paul led the way for the Clippers with 28 points and 11 assists, but it was Blake Griffin (19 points, 12 rebounds) who left his mark with a string of massive dunks over Blazers big man Mason Plumlee.
Blake Griffin just overpowers Damian Lillard before slamming over Mason Plumlee! #NBAPlayoffs #NBA #Clippers pic.twitter.com/GBau71geED
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) April 18, 2016
Blake Griffin's back at it, throwing it down over Mason Plumlee AGAIN!! #NBAPlayoffs #NBA #Clippers pic.twitter.com/zo4zQ8h8Rj
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) April 18, 2016
For the Blazers, Damian Lillard was the only starter who played well with 21 points and eight assists. Gerald Henderson contributed with 16 points off the bench.
Game 2 of the series is Wednesday at 10:30 pm ET on TNT.
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