Trail Blazers snap seven-game losing streak with 102-91 win over Clippers

The Clippers’ loss to the best team in the league on Thursday was understandable. Their loss Friday to a team that dropped its last seven games and isn’t considered a playoff contender, well, not so much.

The Clippers fell to the Portland Trail Blazers, 102-91, in the second game on back-to-back nights after having lost to the Golden State Warriors.

The Clippers, who trailed by as many as 10 points in the third quarter, cut that deficit to two points heading into the fourth quarter, 75-73. Then they collapsed, yet again, in the final minutes of the game.

The Trail Blazers, fueled by a three-point spree from Damian Lillard, used a 14-2 run to take a 13-point lead, 100-87, with 1 minute 46 seconds left. It was all too reminiscent of the Clippers’ late-game collapse the night before, when the Warriors went on a 22-5 run over the final five minutes to win.

The Clippers were outrebounded, 55-42, and made only half of their shots from the free-throw line (eight of 16).

Blake Griffin led the Clippers, who have lost six of their last eight games, with 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Jamal Crawford had 20 points, making five of eight three-point shots. Chris Paul had 11 points and eight assists while DeAndre Jordan finished with 12 points and 15 rebounds.

J.J. Redick returned to the starting lineup after sitting out the team’s last three games because of back spasms. He finished with seven points on three-for-12 shooting. Paul Pierce sat out Friday’s game because Clippers Coach Doc Rivers opted to rest the 38-year-old forward.

Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 27 points, including four three-pointers -- three of which he made in the fourth quarter. He also had seven assists. Portland had big nights from starting center Mason Plumlee, who had 18 points and 10 rebounds, as well as reserve big man Ed Davis, who contributed 17 points and 15 rebounds. Starting guard C.J. McCollum added 18 points.

The Clippers will return home to host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.