The Los Angeles Clippers outlasted the first-seeded Detroit Pistons to extend their winning streak to a season-high four games with a 112-99 on Sunday evening.
Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard dropped a career-high 55 points, 11 rebounds, and five steals while shooting 17 of 26 from the field, including 5 for 10 from three-point range, and made 16 of 17 free throws.
James Harden contributed 28 points, and Nicolas Batum with 12, before losing 10 of 11 games until their four-game run.
The veterans took charge, as the three starters were 36 or older, including Brook Lopez, and all five starters were in their 30s.
On the other hand, Pistons superstar Cade Cunningham finished with 27 points for the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons after being held scoreless in the first half while in foul trouble.
Detroit forward Jalen Duren had 18 points and 14 rebounds, while Jaden Ivey added 11, which lost back-to-back games for just the second time.
Although the Clippers played without center Ivica Zubac for the third consecutive game, the first double-digit lead came four minutes into the game at 16-6 on a three-pointer from Harden.
The Los Angeles led by as many as 20 points in the first half when Leonard already dropped 25 points.
The Pistons pulled within nine points twice in the third quarter before a 16-5 run gave the Clippers another 20-point lead at 81-61 on a Leonard three-pointer.
Leonard became the second player in franchise history to score at least 40 points in consecutive home games, joining Bob McAdoo.
Detroit aims to maintain its rankings when it faces the Lakers, and the Clippers look forward to their momentum against the Kings on Tuesday.
