Blazers’ Gritty Win vs. Clippers is Their Biggest Leap Toward Maturity Yet

For a growing team like the Portland Trail Blazers, progress isn't linear. It’s measured in "litmus test" games and moments where the young core faces a battle-tested opponent and has to prove they can do more than just exist.

The Blazers' recent 116-97 win over the Los Angeles Clippers isn't just any other win. It is the most significant data point we have regarding this team’s maturation. Here is why this specific victory outweighs every other step they’ve taken this season.

Playing 48 Minutes

Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan reacts after scoring against the LA Clippers. | Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

If the Blazers lost to the Clippers, they would have had zero chance of clinching the eighth seed in the West. This was a must-win game for them in terms of that goal. A big reason they were put in that position was that they surrendered a 16-point fourth-quarter lead against the Denver Nuggets earlier in the week.

The Blazers learned a lot from that game in terms of where they were and what needed to change in order to get to where they wanted to be. This win proves that they have learned from their mistakes and they are that much closer to a spot in the playoffs.

Relying on Defense

LA Clippers guard Kris Dunn shoots the ball over Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray. | Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

Winning a shootout is fun, but winning a grind-it-out game against a Ty Lue-coached team is a different beast entirely. The Blazers’ defensive communication was the loudest it’s been all season.

While Deni Avdija was stellar with 35 points, this game was won on the defensive end. Holding a team like the Clippers, which averages 114 points per game, to just 97 points is a massive accomplishment. It's the type of play that wins playoff games.

The Blazers held the Clippers to just 43.4 percent shooting from the floor, and that was a major step in the right direction.

Synergy Felt Real

LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard shoots the ball over Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan. | Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

While Avdija led the way with his performance, it was a clear team effort to pull out the win. The Blazers were also able to get Shaedon Sharpe back from over two months on the sidelines with a leg injury, so that was another special part of the evening.

He played only 15 minutes and scored just eight points, but having him back on the floor in any capacity is a massive opportunity for the Blazers to make the playoffs and win games while they are there.

Why It Matters for the Future

Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan grabs a loose ball against LA Clippers center Brook Lopez. | Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

The Blazers are now in the driver's seat for the eighth seed. All they have to do is beat the Sacramento Kings in the season finale to reach their goal.

On top of that, a win like this should breed a ton of confidence in the games that have more weight down the line.

They will also give themselves an additional chance to reach the postseason. If they were to be the eighth seed, they would travel to the desert to face the Phoenix Suns for a chance to snag the seventh seed.

If they were to lose that, they would head home to Portland to face either the Clippers or the Golden State Warriors in one final play-in tournament contest to determine who gets the eighth and final playoff spot.

Tip-off between the Kings and Blazers is scheduled for tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. PT at the Moda Center. Fans can watch the game on Rip City Sports Network or stream it on NBA League Pass.