Clippers Surge Past Trail Blazers in Dominant Second Half

James Harden and Brook Lopez lead Clippers to 119-103 victory over Portland

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:59am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a basketball game, with players and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, creating a dynamic, abstract composition.A cubist interpretation of the Clippers' dominant second-half surge, capturing the game's intensity and momentum shifts.Boston Today

The Los Angeles Clippers overcame a halftime deficit with a dominant second half, outscoring the Portland Trail Blazers 63-41 to secure a 119-103 victory on December 26, 2025. James Harden led the Clippers with 34 points, while Brook Lopez added a career-high 9 three-pointers and 31 points. Kawhi Leonard also contributed 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, including a highlight-reel dunk in the fourth quarter.

Why it matters

The Clippers' second-half surge showcased their offensive firepower and defensive intensity, as they were able to erase a 52-50 halftime deficit with a 19-1 run in the third quarter. This game highlighted the Clippers' ability to make crucial in-game adjustments and their depth of talent, which could prove crucial as they aim to make a deep playoff run.

The details

After the Trail Blazers built a 52-50 halftime lead, the Clippers came out of the break with renewed energy. James Harden and Kobe Sanders trimmed the deficit to 62-56 early in the third quarter. But then the Clippers took over, going on a 19-1 run fueled by three-pointers from Brook Lopez and a four-point play from Harden. The Clippers' defense also clamped down, holding the Blazers to just 41 points in the second half.

  • The Clippers outscored the Trail Blazers 63-41 in the second half on December 26, 2025.
  • The Clippers went on a 19-1 run in the third quarter to take control of the game.

The players

James Harden

The Clippers' star guard led the team with 34 points, including a crucial four-point play during the third-quarter run.

Brook Lopez

The veteran center had a career night, hitting a career-high 9 three-pointers and scoring 31 points to power the Clippers' offense.

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' two-way superstar contributed 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, including a highlight-reel dunk in the fourth quarter.

Deni Avdija

The Trail Blazers' forward had a near triple-double with 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Clippers' second-half surge.

Donovan Clingan

The Trail Blazers' center was on the receiving end of Kawhi Leonard's emphatic dunk in the fourth quarter.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to come out with more energy and focus in the second half. Our defense sparked our offense, and we were able to take control of the game.”

— Kawhi Leonard, Clippers Forward

“It's tough to lose a game like that, but we have to learn from our mistakes and come back stronger. We had the lead, but we couldn't sustain it in the second half.”

— Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers Forward

What’s next

The Clippers will host the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night, looking to extend their winning streak, while the Trail Blazers will face the Boston Celtics at home, seeking to bounce back from this tough loss.

The takeaway

The Clippers' dominant second-half performance, led by the scoring exploits of James Harden and Brook Lopez, showcased the team's depth of talent and ability to make crucial in-game adjustments. This game highlighted the Clippers' potential to be a force to be reckoned with in the NBA playoffs, while also exposing the Trail Blazers' struggles to maintain their momentum throughout the game.