CP3 vs. Portland
IN PHOTO: Apr 1, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) reacts after making a three point basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. REUTERS/Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

Down big at halftime, the Los Angeles Clippers proved they are one of top teams in the Western Conference by coming back to beat the Portland Trail Blazers, 126-122 to pull off the comeback victory on the road on Wednesday night. Four players scored in double-figures for the Clippers as leader Chris Paul led the charge for a season-high 41 points and added 17 assists for one of his best games of the regular season.

Blake Griffin also played a major role in the Clippers’ fight back in the second half— they trailed 68-55 at halftime— finishing with 24 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. DeAndre Jordan added a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds while J.J. Reddick contributed 25 points hitting 5-of-9 three-pointers.

This was a key win for Los Angeles (50-26), which stayed in fifth place in the tough Western Conference and are now half-a-game ahead of sixth place San Antonio Spurs (49-26). The Clippers are also one and half-game behind the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets, which are tied at 2nd place with a 51-24 record. The Clippers dropped to 48-26.

The key moment of the game was when Portland big man Chris Kaman fouled— called a flagrant by the referees after a review— Paul in the third quarter. The heated L.A. point guard didn’t throw any blows in the ensuing skirmish but sure did land the killer blows in the Clippers’ comeback win.

The Trail Blazers led 92-83 at the point of the Kaman flagrant foul and had the 68-to-55 advantage at halftime. The Clippers outscored the Trail Blazers, 43-30 after the Kaman vs. Paul incident.

Five players also scored in double-figures for Portland led by LaMarcus Aldridge, who had 29 points and Nicolas Batum, who had 21 points including five three-pointers. Damian Lillard had 18 points and 10 assists.

Portland also has a tougher schedule down the stretch with games remaining against the New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder and Brooklyn Nets, both still fighting for playoff spots and playoff-bound squads Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks. The Clippers have an easier schedule facing eliminated teams Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers in four of their last six games.

To contact author of this article, email j.quizon@IBTimes.com.au

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