Kawhi Leonard’s game-winning hook shot lifted the Los Angeles Clippers to a dramatic 111-110 overtime victory against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night.
With 21.6 seconds left in the extra period, Leonard dribbled at the top of the key, allowing the clock to wind down before making his move. His shot over multiple defenders bounced on the rim before dropping in, securing the Clippers’ third straight win.
Leonard finished with 17 points, while James Harden led Los Angeles with 29 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists. Ivica Zubac added 22 points and 14 rebounds as the Clippers strengthened their hold on eighth place in the Western Conference.
DeMar DeRozan scored 31 points and dished out 10 assists for Sacramento, while Zach LaVine contributed 30 points. The Kings fell to 0-3 against the Clippers this season. Jonas Valančiūnas grabbed 17 rebounds in the loss.
Harden forced overtime with a floater in the lane, tying the game at 97-97 with 11.9 seconds left in regulation. LaVine had a chance to win it for Sacramento, but his contested jumper at the buzzer fell short.
Sacramento held a seven-point lead with 1:40 remaining in the fourth quarter but failed to close it out. DeRozan and LaVine combined to score all 13 of the Kings’ points in overtime.
The Clippers had to adjust on the sidelines as head coach Tyronn Lue missed the game due to back pain. Assistant coach Brian Shaw stepped in and guided Los Angeles to the hard-fought victory.
Derrick Jones Jr. played a crucial role off the bench, scoring 17 points and hitting a go-ahead three-pointer after DeRozan had tied the game at 104-104.
LaVine, who had been shooting 62% from beyond the arc over his previous six games, struggled from deep, missing all six of his three-point attempts in regulation before hitting one in overtime. The Kings finished 9-of-34 from long range, while the Clippers went 10-of-31.
Sacramento continues to battle through injuries, playing without Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk. The Kings have now lost four of their last five games and remain in ninth place in the Western Conference.
