Paul's 21 points, 19 assists lead Clippers over Blazers
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Chris Paul had 21 points and 19 assists to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 109-98 victory Wednesday night over the Portland Trail Blazers, who were without guard CJ McCollum because of a "clerical error."
McCollum was mistakenly left off the team's active roster that is turned in before the game. Although the Blazers initially said that McCollum was active, he did not start. The team later announced he was inactive shortly before halftime.
The Clippers won their seventh straight game despite the absence of Blake Griffin, who has missed six games because of a partially torn left quadreiceps tendon.
DeAndre Jordan had 14 points and 14 rebounds for his sixth consecutive double-double for the Clippers.
Damian Lillard had 20 points and nine assists, while Mason Plumlee had a season-high 19 points for the Blazers, who trailed by as many as 23 points but closed the gap in the fourth quarter.
Mo Harkless dunked to narrow Portland's deficit to 97-91 with 4:35 left. Paul Pierce's 3-pointer pulled the Clippers out front 101-91 and the Blazers couldn't catch up.
The confusion over McCollum, who is second on the team with an average of 21 points a game, marred the start of the game for the Blazers.
Allen Crabbe started in place of McCollum, who was dressed and on the bench at the start of the game. Shortly before the break, the Blazers announced that McCollum was inactive "due to a clerical error in the NBA's active list reporting."
The Clippers jumped out to an early 22-10 lead on Pierce's 3-pointer. They extended the lead to 35-23 on Jamal Crawford's 3-pointer and free throw. It was his 45th 4-point play, an ongoing NBA record.
Los Angeles led 63-40 at the half, the team's largest lead of the game.
Lillard hit a 3-pointer that pulled the Blazers within 70-58 in the third quarter, then added another 3 that pulled Portland within 89-79 with just under 10 minutes left. Gerald Henderson's tip and Harkless' fast break layup and free throw closed the gap to 89-83.
Wesley Johnson answered for the Clippers with a 3-pointer -- his first basket of the game -- to stop Portland's momentum.
It didn't help Portland that Lillard was still getting back into form after missing seven games with plantar fasciitis in his left foot. The Blazers' All-Star came back on Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies, but Portland fell 91-78.
The Clippers were coming off a 130-99 victory over Philadelphia
TIP INS
Clippers: Wesley Johnson, who was dealing with a sore right foot, was in the Clippers' starting lineup. ... Griffin, who was injured Christmas Day against the Lakers, could return as early as this weekend, although coach Doc Rivers said Wednesday there was no update as to his status.
Trail Blazers: The Blazers lead the Clippers 86-20 in games played in Portland.
UP NEXT
Clippers: host Charlotte on Saturday.
Trail Blazers: host Golden State on Friday.
