LA Clippers erased a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit and closed on a 28-8 run to defeat the short-handed Detroit Pistons 98-92 on Saturday night at Little Caesars Arena.
Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points and John Collins added 25 as Los Angeles improved to 15-23 and continued a recent surge with its ninth win in the last 11 games.
James Harden finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, anchoring the offense during a closing stretch that flipped the game.
The Clippers trailed by as many as 19 points in the first half after struggling with turnovers and transition defense, allowing Detroit to control tempo early.
Detroit capitalized on 14 first-half turnovers by Los Angeles, converting them into 18 points and building a 14-2 edge in fast-break scoring.
The Pistons entered the game without Cade Cunningham, Isaiah Stewart, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren, leaving them without their top three scorers and several key frontcourt contributors.
Despite the depleted lineup, Detroit maintained control deep into the fourth quarter after Ron Holland II’s windmill dunk pushed the lead to 84-70 early in the period.
Los Angeles responded immediately with a 12-0 run, tightening defensive pressure and forcing turnovers that stalled the Pistons’ offense.
Harden’s three-point play tied the score at 90 with 2:59 remaining, shifting momentum firmly to the visitors.
Collins followed with a go-ahead basket with 2:00 left, and Harden assisted Ivica Zubac on a dunk after another Detroit turnover to extend the lead.
Detroit committed 12 turnovers in the fourth quarter and finished with 25 for the game, a decisive factor as the Clippers scored repeatedly off mistakes.
Harden later split a pair of free throws to make it 96-92 after another Pistons giveaway, effectively sealing the outcome.
Duncan Robinson led Detroit with 20 points but attempted only one shot in the second half as the offense slowed.
Ron Holland II scored 16 points, while Tolu Smith posted nine points and a career-high 14 rebounds.
The Pistons shot 40 percent from the field and 23 percent from three-point range, struggling to generate clean looks late.
Los Angeles finished at 43 percent overall and held Detroit to eight made threes on 35 attempts.
The Clippers return home Monday to host Charlotte, while Detroit remains at home to face Phoenix on Thursday.
