Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) tries to get around the defense of Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane) AP AP

Norman Powell scored 23 points to help the Los Angeles Clippers complete a perfect back-to-back set with a convincing 118-89 win over the host Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA on Thursday night. James Harden added 19 points and six assists for Los Angeles before being rested for the entire fourth quarter for the second game in a row.

The Portland Trail Blazers, coming off a game that saw career scoring nights from Scoot Henderson and Toumani Camara, were not prepared for the defensive buzzsaw that was the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.