Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points, marking his 23rd straight game with at least 20, as the Los Angeles Clippers held off the Lakers 112-104 at the Intuit Dome on Thursday night. The victory improves the Clippers to 20-24, climbing in the Western Conference standings, while the Lakers drop to 26-17.
Luka Doncic led Los Angeles with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, and LeBron James added 23 points, but the duo couldn’t overcome the Clippers’ balanced attack.
James Harden contributed 18 points and 10 assists, and Ivica Zubac recorded 18 points with 19 rebounds as seven Clippers finished in double figures.
The Clippers dominated early, outscoring the Lakers 17-7 over the final minutes of the first half to lead 64-47 at halftime. Leonard, Harden, and Zubac combined for the team’s first 15 points of the third quarter, pushing the lead to a game-high 26 points before the Lakers rallied late.
Dallas’ comeback attempt cut the deficit to two points midway through the fourth quarter with a 19-7 run capped by Doncic’s 3-pointer. Harden answered with a 3 of his own, sparking a 10-0 stretch that restored the Clippers’ control, while Zubac’s reverse dunk and John Collins’ 3-pointer sealed the eight-point margin.
The Clippers shot 48% overall and 39% from 3-point range, while limiting the Lakers to 45% shooting and 33% from distance. The Lakers were still without Austin Reaves due to a calf strain, affecting depth and spacing, though coach JJ Redick expects him to return soon.
Los Angeles will visit the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday to begin a six-game road trip, while the Clippers host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. The win marks the Clippers’ seventh in eight games and 14th in 17.
