The Los Angeles Clippers continued their surge with a 115-103 road win over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night at Delta Center, securing their ninth victory in the past 10 games.
Kawhi Leonard scored 21 points to lead Los Angeles, which improved to 22-24 and strengthened its position in the Western Conference playoff race. The veteran forward has now scored at least 20 points in 25 consecutive games, a franchise milestone matched only by Bob McAdoo, World B. Free, and Blake Griffin.
James Harden added 16 points and 10 assists, controlling tempo and directing the offense during key stretches. Kris Dunn contributed 14 points and recorded a season-high five steals, setting the tone defensively.
The Clippers trailed early after Utah opened the game on a 10-0 run. Despite the slow start, Los Angeles regrouped and went into halftime down just one, 54-53.
Momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter. A 10-2 run fueled by Dunn’s back-to-back steals and finishes, along with a corner three, pushed the lead to 73-61 and forced Utah into chase mode.
Los Angeles maintained a double-digit advantage the rest of the way. The visitors finished with 10 steals and repeatedly disrupted Utah’s half-court sets, leading to multiple shot-clock violations.
Leonard shot 9-of-18 from the field and added seven rebounds, anchoring both ends. With him on the floor, the Clippers are now 14-2 over their last 16 games and have won seven straight.
The Clippers forced 17 turnovers and converted them into 23 points. Although Los Angeles plays at the league’s slowest pace, it still held a 12-8 edge in fast-break scoring.
Utah welcomed back Lauri Markkanen after a seven-game absence due to illness. The All-Star forward finished with 19 points on 5-of-15 shooting and added five rebounds.
Rookie Ace Bailey led the Jazz with 20 points, while Brice Sensabaugh added 13 off the bench. Utah fell to 15-32 and has now dropped seven of its last eight games.
The Jazz were shorthanded in the backcourt. Jusuf Nurkic missed the game with illness, while Keyonte George was held out for rest after averaging 28.8 points over his previous five outings.
Los Angeles shot 47 percent from the field and knocked down 18 three-pointers, stretching Utah’s defense throughout the night. Harden and Dunn combined for nine steals, highlighting the Clippers’ activity on the perimeter.
The Clippers travel to Denver on Friday to continue their road trip. Utah remains home to face Golden State on Wednesday as it looks to stabilize during a difficult stretch.
