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NBA Playoffs: Clippers vs. Trail Blazers Game 5 recap, full highlights

By Charles Rahrig V

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The Portland Trail Blazers took advantage of the depleted Los Angeles Clippers and won Game 5 on the road.

98. 77. 108. 34. Final

The Los Angeles Clippers had the entire landscape of their playoffs changed after Game 4. Chris Paul fractured his hand during Game 4 and before Game 5, it was announced that Blake Griffin would miss the rest of the playoffs with his nagging quadriceps issue.

On Wednesday night, the Clippers struggled to find their shot against the Portland Trail Blazers but they hung tough early on against Portland. Jeff Green was aggressive early and was getting out in transition and running the floor like a work of art.

Green would have some aggressive slams that really set the tone early for the Clippers in a tight battle. After the first quarter, both teams would be tied at 18 points apiece. The Clippers actually held the lead at halftime and it looked like they might hold serve on their own floor.

However, the Trail Blazers got hot in the second half and it all started with their dynamic back court of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Toward the middle of the fourth quarter, the two began finding their stroke from deep and would pull the Blazers away.

Lillard would score double-digit points alone in the fourth quarter and suddenly, the Clippers looked like a team that just lost their two best players. After a ridiculous banked three-point field goal, the Blazers would cap off a huge win that puts them one game away from advancing to the second round of the playoffs.

Full Highlights

Three Stars

3. Mo Harkless

Harkless once again was a force for the Blazers down low. He had a double-double and helped the Blazers really push the ball outside.

2. C.J. McCollum

McCollum was on fire scoring with 27 points for Portland on Wednesday night. He was part of the big push that helped the Blazers pull away in the fourth.

1. Damian Lillard

A huge fourth quarter allowed the Blazers to pull away behind their leader. Lillard made some ridiculous threes and took the life out of the Staples Center. He finished with 22 points.

Betting Odds

The Trail Blazers came into the game as 2.5-point favorites. With the win, the Trail Blazers covered the spread.

What’s Next?

The two teams will meet in Portland for Game 6 on Friday night.

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