LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kawhi Leonard scored 38 factors and the Los Angeles Clippers pulled away within the fourth quarter for a 106-95 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday.
Paul George added 22 factors for the Clippers, who’ve received their final three video games after dropping 5 straight.
“It feels good to be on a profitable streak and play properly,” coach Tyronn Lue mentioned. “I knew we made some modifications (close to final month’s commerce deadline) and it was going to take time. Now we have performed properly in a few of these earlier video games and never get the win.”
It was Leonard’s seventh straight sport with a minimum of 21 factors, and he is averaging 31 factors throughout that stretch. He additionally has 4 30-point video games throughout that span.
“I obtained some open appears within the third quarter,” mentioned Leonard, who scored 19 within the third quarter, together with three 3-pointers. “You realize, began off attacking the basket, ended up getting that and-one. After which from there, simply shot the ball with confidence.”
Moreover Leonard’s sizzling play, the opposite distinction the previous two video games has been the Clippers taking part in higher protection. New York shot 32 of 90 from the sector, marking the primary time this season the Clippers have held groups beneath 40% in two straight video games.
“I believe when Kawhi and PG are locking into the opposite groups greatest gamers and taking that problem, after they’re taking part in at a excessive degree defensively,” Lue mentioned, “you understand we’re a unique crew.”
Immanuel Quickley had 26 factors and 10 rebounds for the Knicks, who’ve dropped three straight after a nine-game profitable streak. Quickley began rather than Jalen Brunson, who was sidelined with a sore left foot.
Julius Randle scored 19 regardless of capturing 5 of 24.
“I assumed we performed very well within the first half and for probably the most half performed properly within the third quarter, I did not like the way in which we began the fourth, and proper now our margin of error is small,” Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau mentioned. “We have got to grasp that the depth of the fourth quarter is completely different. So be able to deal with that.”
Story continues
New York had a 74-73 lead late within the third quarter earlier than the Clippers scored 9 straight factors to take management.
The run began when Randle was assessed a technical foul with 0.3 seconds remaining after he elbowed Clippers heart Mason Plumlee within the face whereas each had been going for a rebound.
Leonard tied it by making the technical shot and Plumlee transformed the subsequent two free throws to offer the Clippers a 76-74 benefit going into the ultimate 12 minutes.
Los Angeles prolonged their result in 14 with lower than 4 minutes remaining within the fourth.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Thibodeau mentioned Brunson is day-to-day and X-rays had been adverse.
Brunson has missed three of the previous 4 video games after being injured throughout a win on March 3 over Miami.
“We undoubtedly miss having him on the ground, however we have to determine it out and determine get these wins,” guard RJ Barrett mentioned. “We are going to determine it out someway, you understand what I imply, attempt to get simpler wins and keep like that.”
RECORD BOOK
Russell Westbrook handed Isiah Thomas for ninth on the NBA’s profession assists checklist. Westbrook has 9,062 throughout his 15-year profession.
“It’s nice as some extent guard like myself, the completely different conversations that I’ve needed to overcome over my profession to be on this facet of it. It’s a particular factor,” Westbrook mentioned.
TIP-INS
Knicks: Mitchell Robinson had 14 rebounds, together with eight on the offensive finish. … Trailed for many of the first half however had a 49-47 lead at halftime after Randle made three free throws with 2.6 seconds remaining after being fouled by Marcus Morris Sr.
Clippers: Morris had 11 factors, together with three 3-pointers. … George, who additionally had eight rebounds and eight assists, went over 2,000 3-pointers in his profession throughout the second quarter.
UP NEXT
Knicks: Stay in Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Sunday.
Clippers: Host Golden State on Wednesday.
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