James Harden and Norman Powell each scored 24 points to help the Los Angeles Clippers secure a tight 105-103 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night. The win at Intuit Dome marked the Clippers’ fourth straight triumph, pushing their record to 6-4.
Ivica Zubac contributed with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while the Clippers fought to hold their lead in the final moments. A clutch three-pointer from Toronto’s Immanuel Quickley with 39 seconds remaining tied the game, but the Clippers maintained their edge as Powell and Harden split their late free throws.
Toronto made a final push, capitalizing on a missed free throw by Harden with Jakob Poeltl grabbing the rebound. However, Poeltl’s attempted putback shot missed with just over four seconds remaining, sealing Toronto’s fate.
Quickley and Ochai Agbaji led the Raptors with 21 points each, while RJ Barrett added 13 points and six rebounds. Toronto, now on a three-game losing streak, couldn’t convert in the closing seconds despite multiple offensive rebounds.
The Clippers, who started their season with an 0-4 record at their new home, have now won three consecutive games at Intuit Dome.
Harden, in his highest-scoring performance since joining the Clippers, also pulled down 12 rebounds and contributed seven assists.
Los Angeles showcased solid defensive efforts, recording eight blocks and limiting Toronto to 29.7% from three-point range.
Toronto’s comeback efforts were boosted by Chris Boucher, who scored 14 points off the bench, and Davion Mitchell, who contributed seven points. Agbaji and Quickley’s hot hands in the final quarter brought the Raptors within striking distance, but the team ultimately fell short.
With Kawhi Leonard sidelined due to a knee injury, Powell stepped up with a strong performance, going 7-of-14 from the field and 7-of-9 from the line. Kevin Porter Jr. added 15 points and six rebounds for Los Angeles, rounding out a balanced offensive effort.
The Clippers aim to extend their winning streak as they embark on a three-game road trip next week, while the Raptors, now 2-8, will look to rebound from their challenging start to the season.
