INGLEWOOD, Calif.- – — Norman Powell’s 22 points and James Harden 21 points and 11 assist helps the Clippers defeat Los Angeles Lakers 116-102 in the two teams first matchup inside the Intuit Dome on Sunday night.
Powell scored the high for the Clippers in the win. Los Angeles had four starters score 19 or more points.
Ivica Zubac outperformed Lakers star forward Anthony Davis in this matchup as he added 21 points, 19 rebounds and three blocks. Davis had 16 and 10 for the Lakers.
“I love playing against the Lakers. Fans show out and get into it. It’s always fun,” Zubac said. “It’s always fun playing against one of the best bigs in the league, matching up against AD [Anthony Davis]. It’s always fun.”
LeBron James led the Lakers in scoring with 25 points along with 11 assists and 5 rebounds.
The Clippers were very excited about the win but also estatic to finally be hosting their longtime rival in their own home.
“Yeah, it was great. It felt like home. Just from the introductions when they were booing the Lakers. Our fans were into it when our guys were introduced and at the start of the game our fans were into it,” C;ippers coach Tyronn Lue said.
“Not until they made their run did Lakers fans, there weren’t that many in there, when they kind of got loud.Other than that, I thought our fans were tremendous and their support was there. And like I said it just feels good to have a place that we can call home and yours.”
Kawhi Leonard added 19 points for the Clippers and doing so he scored his 14,000th point of his career.
“I’m happy I was able to play long enough to get to that point. But for me, I’m not looking at that as a milestone. I’m more of a team guy and wanna get the win, get down, be the last team standing,” Leonard said.
Los Angeles now looks to keep their winning streak going as they face-off against the Chicago Bulls at home tonight on MLK Day.
