Clippers Beat Blazers to Bolster Hopes of Avoiding Play-In

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, right, shoots as Portland Trail Blazers forward Jabari Walker defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles on April 8, 2023. Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo

LOS ANGELES—Kawhi Leonard scored 27 points, Norman Powell added 23 and the Los Angeles Clippers solidified their hopes of avoiding the play-in game with a 136–125 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, April 8.

Russell Westbrook had 20 points for the Clippers, who have won four of their last six and hold the fifth spot in the Western Conference.