The Los Angeles Clippers (47-32) claimed a hard-fought 122-117 victory over the San Antonio Spurs (32-47) on Tuesday night, propelling themselves into fourth place in the Western Conference with just three games remaining in the regular season. The win marked the Clippers’ fifth consecutive victory and solidified their standing in the playoff race.
Ivica Zubac delivered a dominant performance, posting a remarkable 24 points and 20 rebounds, his 12th consecutive double-double. This extended his streak, marking the longest by a Clippers player since Chris Paul had 14 straight double-doubles in 2013.
Zubac’s effort was key in outplaying the Spurs, especially in the absence of Victor Wembanyama, whose presence was missed in the paint.
Norman Powell also contributed heavily for the Clippers, scoring 25 points, while James Harden added 21 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds. Harden’s near triple-double performance was crucial in ensuring Los Angeles kept the Spurs at bay during key moments.
The Clippers have been red-hot, winning 15 of their last 18 games, positioning them for a potential home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Their success has been largely driven by their ability to dominate at home, with an impressive 28-7 record at the Intuit Dome this season.
Despite sitting out due to knee maintenance, Kawhi Leonard’s absence did not hinder the Clippers, as they showcased their depth and offensive firepower.
The Spurs, led by Harrison Barnes’ 24 points and Stephon Castle’s 19, battled valiantly but fell short. San Antonio has now lost eight of their last nine games, continuing their struggles as they look toward the off-season.
San Antonio’s rebounding woes were evident as the Clippers out-rebounded them 50-34. This disparity, compounded by Zubac’s dominance in the paint, made it difficult for the Spurs to close the gap after halftime.
Los Angeles broke the game open early in the third quarter with an 18-3 run, pushing their lead to a level that San Antonio could not recover from.
The Spurs’ defensive efforts were not enough to overcome their offensive inefficiencies, with several key players like Devin Vassell and Bismack Biyombo struggling to make an impact.
With just three regular-season games left, the Clippers are in a tight race with Denver, Memphis, and Golden State, all of whom share a 47-32 record. The Clippers currently hold the tiebreaker over all three teams, making every game crucial as they fight for positioning in the Western Conference.
