Clippers push the accelerator

Only two playoff berths remain in the Western Conference with the clock ticking loudly, and the Clippers understand what must be done.

One slip-up could ruin their plans, so the mission is clear: Win and get in.

They took another step toward making it happen, defeating the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers, 107-89, on Friday night in front of a sellout crowd of 19,318 at Staples Center.

The Clippers didn’t experience an emotional letdown a night after rallying from a 17-point third-quarter deficit to defeat the Lakers, controlling the tempo from the start against Portland, which is finishing the season without several injured key players.

“The worry is you could have some type of letdown,” Coach Mike Dunleavy said of facing the lowly Trail Blazers (31-48) just 24 hours after an emotional comeback victory over their co-dwelling rivals.

“But in our situation, I didn’t think that would happen.”

The Clippers led by 13 points at halftime, 22 in the third quarter and 27 in the fourth, doing what it took to keep pace with the hot Golden State Warriors, and increase the heat on the struggling Lakers.

With three games remaining for each, the Clippers (39-40) and Warriors (39-40) are tied for the eighth spot.

The Lakers (40-40) are seventh, but they’re headed in the wrong direction, having lost four in a row and eight of 10. The Lakers have a half-game lead over the Clippers and Warriors, and their magic number is stuck on two with two games left.

Regardless of how Warriors and Lakers finish, the Clippers would clinch a spot in the postseason if they win out. The Clippers are approaching the finish line quickly, and they could cross it in style.

“Win three games and you’re in, and everybody understands that,” said Elton Brand, who scored 20 points. “You can’t watch the standings too much, but we know we control our own destiny.

“We lost some close games we shouldn’t have, but we can make up for it by winning three games. It’s as simple as that.”

The Warriors have won three in a row and six of seven, prompting the Clippers to keep their foot on the accelerator too.

The victory over the Lakers ended a losing streak at three games, and completing the season with a five-game winning streak is the Clippers’ focus now.

Two down, three more to go.

“We let some games slip, which we really can’t talk about anymore because they’re gone,” said Cuttino Mobley, who led the Clippers with 22 points and seven assists. “Right now, it’s definitely a sense of urgency to the fullest.

“Guys are banged up, but we’re trying our best to get in. If we get in, we’ll make some noise. We’ll have some fun.”

The Clippers aren’t expecting outside help, but they’re aware of their surroundings, players said.

“Golden State is playing well, but we have to worry about us,” Mobley said. “Just win out and do what we have to do.”

Chris Kaman agreed.

“Go 3-0 and we’re good,” said Kaman, who contributed 17 points. “We can’t count on someone else to take care of our business for us

“Obviously, the next three games, we’re facing teams that are going to be fighting. We just can’t worry about that; play hard and do what we’re supposed to do.”

jason.reid@latimes.com