James Harden led the way for the Los Angeles Clippers, scoring 30 points with seven three-pointers in a 122-117 win over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.
Kawhi Leonard returned from a foot injury and contributed 17 points and eight rebounds as Los Angeles (32-26) snapped a three-game losing streak.
Amir Coffey added 20 points off the bench, while Bogdan Bogdanovic made four of five from deep to finish with 14 points.
The Clippers made 19 three-pointers and held off a late push from Chicago, moving a half-game ahead of Minnesota for the sixth seed in the Western Conference.
Harden erupted in the third quarter, scoring 20 points and hitting five threes as Los Angeles built a 98-93 lead.
He sealed the victory with another clutch three-pointer with 14 seconds left, putting the game out of reach at 120-114.
Chicago (23-36) struggled to keep up despite strong performances from Zach Collins, who had a season-high 21 points and 17 rebounds, and Josh Giddey, who posted 21 points and 12 assists.
Coby White added 19 points, but the Bulls dropped their seventh game in their last eight contests.
Los Angeles played without Norman Powell, who missed his fourth straight game due to a sore left knee.
Chicago was also shorthanded, missing Nikola Vucevic for the second consecutive game and Ayo Dosunmu for the third straight matchup.
The Clippers remain in the mix for a top-six playoff spot, but their success could hinge on Leonard staying healthy for the stretch run.
The Bulls, clinging to the final Play-In Tournament spot in the East, will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling further down the standings.
