Los Angeles Clippers leaned on star power late Monday night, pulling away for a 117-109 win over the Charlotte Hornets at Intuit Dome in Inglewood.
Kawhi Leonard scored 35 points and James Harden added 32 as Los Angeles earned its fourth win in five games to improve to 16-23.
Harden’s night carried added significance, as the veteran guard moved into ninth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, passing Shaquille O’Neal early in the third quarter on a 3-pointer.
Leonard set the tone after halftime, scoring 20 points in the third quarter alone while knocking down five 3-pointers to swing momentum in the Clippers’ favor.
Los Angeles trailed briefly in the fourth quarter after Tre Mann’s 3-pointer gave Charlotte a 100-99 lead with 7:18 remaining.
Harden responded with eight points during a decisive 15-1 run, pushing the Clippers ahead by 13 with just over four minutes left.
The Hornets made one final push, scoring six straight points to cut the deficit to 114-107 with 1:22 remaining, but could not draw any closer.
Jordan Miller contributed 14 points off the bench, while Ivica Zubac added nine points and 11 rebounds to anchor the interior.
Harden played the entire first quarter and scored 11 points, though he cooled off in the second as Los Angeles carried a narrow 45-43 lead into halftime.
Leonard had 10 points before the break, conserving energy before his dominant third-quarter stretch.
Charlotte, now 14-26, was led by LaMelo Ball, who finished with 25 points and nine rebounds despite heavy defensive pressure.
Kon Knueppel scored 18 points, while Moussa Diabate posted 13 points and 15 rebounds to control the glass.
Brandon Miller added 13 points, and Miles Bridges finished with 11, but Charlotte dropped its third game in four outings.
The Clippers shot 37 percent from three-point range and forced key stops late, holding Charlotte to 30 percent from deep.
Los Angeles will remain home to host Washington on Wednesday, while the Hornets continue their West Coast trip Thursday against the Lakers.
