Los Angeles Clippers ahead Paul George (13) congratulates ahead Kawhi Leonard (2) for a making a basket towards the Miami Warmth throughout the first half of an NBA basketball recreation, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP Picture/Alex Gallardo)
LOS ANGELES — Kawhi Leonard scored 24 factors in his return from damage, Paul George added 23 and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the short-handed Miami Warmth 121-104 on Monday night time for his or her third straight win within the NBA.
The Clippers opened the brand new yr the place they left off after going 11-2 in December for the West’s finest report throughout the month. Norman Powell added 22 factors off the bench and James Harden had 15 factors and 10 assists.
“It’s higher once you attempt to determine it out successful than attempting to determine shedding. That’s what was taking place earlier,” Harden mentioned, referring to the group’s six-game skid in November. “Each single recreation, we’re looking for methods to win video games. Then in the direction of the tip of the season we’ll perceive what we’re actually good at and what we’re not.”
Kawhi was again after lacking 4 video games with a hip contusion. The Clippers held issues down in his absence, going 2-2.
“I simply inform myself to play more durable”- Kawhi Leonard pic.twitter.com/xP0X2Q4aWk
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 2, 2024
Leonard’s dunk to open the fourth gave him 13,000 profession factors. He had six rebounds and 5 assists earlier than sitting down for the sport’s closing 5:43. He didn’t converse to reporters afterward.
“You seen the efficiency, each ends of the ball simply elite,” Harden mentioned of Leonard. “Shotmaking, defensively being lively, creating alternatives in transition. We missed him.”
Leonard bought off to a sluggish begin, lacking each of his shot makes an attempt within the first when he was scoreless.
However Leonard discovered his spots within the second, scoring 13 factors together with 10 in a row, because the Clippers erased a 14-point deficit to steer 59-58 at halftime.
“It was actually good to see him get going,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue mentioned.
Los Angeles Clippers ahead Kawhi Leonard (2) drives previous Miami Warmth heart Bam Adebayo throughout the second half of an NBA basketball recreation, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP Picture/Alex Gallardo)
Bam Adebayo led the Warmth with 21 factors and 15 rebounds. Kevin Love added 17 factors off the bench. Kyle Lowry returned after being out with a head contusion and had eight factors.
Amongst these lacking for Miami had been Jimmy Butler (foot), Josh Richardson (again) and Caleb Martin (ankle). Butler bought harm at Utah on Saturday. An X-ray confirmed no harm and he’ll proceed to obtain remedy. He had been out 4 video games earlier than that with a strained calf.
The Clippers outscored Miami 14-8 to open the third and lengthen a one-point result in 73-63. Harden and Terance Mann had 5 factors every. George made back-to-back 3-pointers throughout a private 8-0 run that restored their 10-point lead.
“Defensively we could be higher,” Warmth coach Erik Spoelstra mentioned. “We struggled once more in 1-on-1 conditions.”
Reserve Duncan Robinson and Love mixed to attain 19 factors in carrying the Warmth to a 35-23 lead within the first. “That was the very best quarter,” Spoelstra mentioned. “The remainder of it was fairly sloppy.”
4 former UCLA gamers had been on the ground — Love and Jaime Jaquez Jr. for the Warmth and Powell and Russell Westbrook for the Clippers. The Warmth’s duo outscored the Clippers’ pair, 32-30.
It was a homecoming for Jaquez, who grew up about an hour away in Camarillo and was taking part in on Mexican Heritage Evening.
“I positively felt and heard the love from the individuals within the crowd,” he mentioned. “It felt like a house recreation for me.”
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please attempt once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.
NEXT SCHEDULE
Warmth: Keep in Los Angeles to play the Lakers on Wednesday.
Clippers: Go to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday to start a three-game journey.