Norman Powell put up a stellar performance, recording his first career double-double with 31 points and 12 rebounds to guide the Los Angeles Clippers (5-4) to a 107-98 win over the Sacramento Kings (5-4) on Friday night.
The Clippers, on a three-game winning streak, were led by Powell’s all-around play, with James Harden contributing 22 points and 8 assists. Powell’s effort was key in maintaining a lead that the Clippers held for nearly the entire game.
After a close first half, which ended with Los Angeles ahead 51-45, the Clippers started the third quarter with a 16-5 run, creating enough of a gap to withstand Sacramento’s late charge.
Despite De’Aaron Fox’s 31-point performance and Domantas Sabonis’ double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds, the Kings struggled to find their rhythm. Sacramento made only 3 of 26 three-point attempts, including just one in the second half.
The Kings’ comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, cutting a 16-point deficit down to just four with under three minutes left, was quickly thwarted. Powell and Amir Coffey hit back-to-back three-pointers to restore Los Angeles’ double-digit lead, securing the victory.
Harden, who had 15 points in the first quarter, has also found a scoring rhythm, helping the Clippers stay above .500 for the first time this season after a tough 2-4 start.
