Clippers survive late Raptors surge, extend winning streak as Porter finds groove

It got hectic late. But the Clippers are 6-4.

(Photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- Kevin Porter Jr. skipped down the court, dancing and gyrating as he did so. The 24-year-old had just hit back-to-back 3s in the second quarter that saw the LA Clippers waltz to an 11-point lead en route to what would be a nailbiting 105-103 victory.

The guard, who has gotten off to a slow start this season, seems to have finally found his groove—in more ways than one.

“I think when you’re off for a year, it takes a little time to catch up with the speed of the game,” coach Tyronn Lue said following the win.

“We’ve just been on him about attacking, getting to the paint, making plays, getting to the basket. He kept us afloat just scoring the basketball and attacking, getting to the free throw line where he missed a few, but just attacking the rim, getting to the basket, and getting into the paint. That’s what we need him to do.”

While Porter’s offensive night—15 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in 22 minutes—was a major boon to the team, this game still came down to the wire as the Clippers missed several free throws and had a myriad of miscues late.