PORTLAND, Ore., March 31 (UPI) -- Cuttino Mobley had 25 points, three rebounds and three assists Saturday night to lead the Los Angeles Clippers over Portland, 99-86.
The Clippers surged to a 38-18 lead after the first quarter and led, 65-39, at the half.
Portland was able to come within 13 points early in the fourth quarter, but the Clippers repelled any further rally late in the contest.
Elton Brand had 21 points, five rebounds and four assists; and Quinton Ross had 17 points and three assists for the Clippers, who moved into a tie with Denver for the seventh seed in the Western Conference -- two games ahead of Golden State.
Brandon Roy led Portland with 23 points and four assists. Raef LaFrentz had 15 points and five rebounds, Travis Outlaw and Jamaal Magloire scored 13 points apiece, and Martell Webster added 10 points and four assists for the Trail Blazers, who have a four-game losing streak.
