Five takeaways from Clippers’ 104-96 loss to Portland

1. Clippers forward Danilo Gallinari was out with a left glute injury for almost eight weeks, costing him 25 games.

He finally made it back to play Tuesday night during the Clippers’ 104-96 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers and had his moments.

He had 15 points on six-for-12 shooting, going one-for-four on three-pointers, and five rebounds and one assist over the course of 25 minutes, 24 seconds.

2. The Clippers knew their three-point defense would be under pressure during the entire game because of the major threats posed by Portland’s backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.

The Clippers’ three-point defense allowed the Trail Blazers to make 43.3% of their three-pointers. Lillard was five for 10 from three-point range, McCollum three for seven and Shabazz Napier two for three.

3. Tyrone Wallace again showed he belongs in the NBA.

Wallace, who is on a two-way contract, had 15 points and three assists. He’s at his best attacking the basket, which is what Wallace mostly did against Portland.

4. It was a tough shooting night for Lou Williams.

He missed 21 of his 26 shots and seven of his nine three-pointers. Williams still finished with 20 points, but he looked a little tired.

5. Rebounding was an issue for the Clippers. That they were out-rebounded 59-50 wasn’t the biggest problem — it was the Clippers’ giving up 18 offensive rebounds.

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