The 2017 'Lob City' Revival vs. Portland
The heartbreaking comeback that finally validated the Clippers' championship aspirations against Portland.
The 2017 Western Conference First Round series between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Portland Trail Blazers marked a dramatic resurgence for the franchise's 'Lob City' era. After years of heartbreak in the playoffs, this matchup saw the Clippers, led by Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeMar DeRozan, finally secure a first-round victory since 2013. It was a defining moment where the team overcame a significant deficit to prove their championship credentials were more than just regular-season promise.
- Series Result
- Clippers won 4-3
- Key Players
- Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, DeMar DeRozan, Jamal Crawford
- Opponent
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Season
- 2016-17 NBA Season
- Playoff Round
- Western Conference First Round
Lore & Background
The turning point came in Game 6 at the Staples Center, where the atmosphere was electric with tension. Chris Paul's leadership and Jamal Crawford's clutch scoring provided the spark needed to force a decisive Game 7. The series concluded with a hard-fought victory on the road in Portland, silencing doubts about the team's ability to close out tough opponents. This run ended a long playoff drought for the franchise and reinvigorated hope among the fanbase that the championship window was still wide open.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Moda Center hung heavy with anticipation as the Clippers trailed by four points in the final minute of Game 7. Chris Paul dribbled near the top of the key, his eyes scanning for an opening while Blake Griffin set a screen that seemed to shake the floorboards. The crowd roared, but the L.A. bench remained stoic, knowing this moment had been years in the making. With a sharp pass and a contested jumper from Jamal Crawford, the net swished, sealing not just a game, but a redemption arc for an entire city.
Reader's Guide
The series began with shockwaves as Portland took Games 1 and 2, exposing early defensive lapses by Los Angeles. The Clippers managed to claw back Game 3 at home, but fell in Game 4, facing elimination on the road. Game 5 was a pivotal turnaround where DeMar DeRozan's scoring prowess helped L.A. avoid the brink of disaster. The momentum shifted decisively in Game 6, a dramatic overtime thriller where Chris Paul orchestrated a stunning victory to force the decider. Game 7 remains legendary for its intensity; despite trailing late, the Clippers' defense tightened, and key three-pointers from Jamal Crawford and DeMar DeRozan secured the series win. It was an emotional validation of their resilience.
Did You Know?
- This was the first time since 2013 that the Clippers advanced past the first round of the playoffs.
- Jamal Crawford scored a crucial 24 points in Game 7, including key shots down the stretch.
- The series featured two overtime games, highlighting the competitive parity between the teams.
- Chris Paul averaged over 20 points and 10 assists for the entire series.