Clarkson steps up late, leads Jazz past Blazers

PORTLAND, Ore. — Jordan Clarkson scored eight straight points in the final 1:48 and totaled 28 to help Utah defeat Portland 118-113 on Saturday.

Jazz reserve Malik Beasley hit six 3-pointers and totaled 29 points, and Lauri Markkanen had 23 points and 10 rebounds for Utah (12-6), which took the lead in the Western Conference.

Anfernee Simons had 23 points to lead six double-figure scorers for Portland (10-6), which led 23-20 after one quarter but trailed 58-51 at halftime.

Both teams lost their starting point guards in the second half.

After colliding into a screen, Utah’s Mike Conley left with a left knee injury with 10:22 left in the third quarter.

Not long afterward, Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard went to the locker room and did not return because of tightness in his right calf. Lillard has missed five games this season because of a calf strain.

■ Clippers 119, Spurs 97: At Los Angeles, Norman Powell scored 26 points and Paul George 21, with each hitting five of Los Angeles’ season-high 21 3-pointers, as the Clippers dealt San Antonio its fourth straight loss and ninth in its past 10 games. Los Angeles didn’t trail.