LOS ANGELES (AP) – Kawhi Leonard’s is the highest scoring player of the L.A Clippers team with 34-point performance led the Los Angeles Clippers to their fourth consecutive victory, defeating the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers 132-127 on Monday night.

Paul George contributed 20 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists for the Clippers, while James Harden added 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Ivica Zubac scored 18 as Los Angeles continued its impressive 9-3 record since a season-worst six-game skid.

Leonard has amassed an impressive 75 points in his last two games.

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue emphasized Leonard’s improved health and rhythm with teammates George and Harden as crucial factors in the team’s recent success.

Portland played without Deandre Ayton, missing his third straight game, and Malcolm Brogdon, who sat out his second consecutive game due to right knee soreness.

Anfernee Simons delivered a career-high 38 points, and Shaedon Sharpe added 27 for the Blazers, who remain winless at 0-8 against Western Conference opponents on the road.

“We played good, man,” remarked Blazers coach and former Clipper Chauncey Billups. “We just keep scrapping no matter what.”

Sharpe’s basket gave Portland its first lead in the fourth quarter at 121-120, erasing a six-point deficit. The teams exchanged one-point leads, with Terance Mann hitting two free throws to put the Clippers ahead 124-123. George and Leonard secured the win with crucial plays in the final moments.

Harden, in his first dunk since joining the Clippers 1 1/2 months ago, contributed to the team’s high-scoring third quarter, where they closed with a 12-5 run to take a 105-99 lead.

Despite Portland’s season-high 19 three-pointers, including impressive performances from Simons and Sharpe, the Clippers held on for the win.

In the second quarter, the Blazers erased a double-digit deficit and took their first lead, but the Clippers regained control heading into halftime with George’s basket.

The Clippers’ strong start in the first quarter, shooting at an impressive 79%, set the tone for the game and built a 14-point lead, led by Zubac’s 14 points.

Harden expressed his dunking prowess in the third quarter, showcasing his athleticism and contributing to the Clippers’ success.

“When you’re trying to build something, there’s going to be some pаin in that. It’s not easy because I love to win everything I do,” remarked Billups, acknowledging the challenges of the rebuilding process for the Trail Blazers.