PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 8: Willie Green #34 of the Los Angeles Clippers goes to the basket against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 8, 2012 at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND Ore. (AP) — Jamal Crawford scored 25 points and the Los Angeles Clippers held off the Portland Trail Blazers for a 103-90 victory on Thursday night.
De’Andre Jordan and Chris Paul had 21 points apiece for the Clippers, who led by 25 in the first half. Los Angeles improved to 4-2 in its first game away from Staples Center.
Nicolas Batum had 23 points and nine rebounds for the Blazers, who mounted a second-half challenge but ultimately couldn’t catch up.
Portland closed to 86-82 on Meyers Leonard’s alley-oop dunk from Batum in the fourth quarter, but the rally fizzled and Paul sent fans streaming for the doors when his jumper with 2:51 left extended the lead to 98-85.
