Kawhi Leonard scored 27 in his return as the Clippers defeated the Chicago Bulls 126-111 on the first night of a back-to-back.
Despite exiting Tuesday’s loss to Minnesota due to back spasms, Leonard bounced back and made an impressive 12 out of 17 shots
Paul George led the Clippers in scoring with a very efficient 28 points on 11 of 12 shooting for 91% and finishing 6 of 7 from three-point range.
James Harden missed his first game since joining the Clippers with a left shoulder strain. Harden’s absence allowed the Clippers to put the ball in their other playmakers’ hands.
“We talk about the last 20 games, putting the ball back in PG’s hands so he can get used to it so when we get to the playoffs we know exactly what we want to do,” coach Tyronn Lue said. “Now, he’s just getting accustomed to running more pick-and-rolls and keeping the ball in his hands.”
The Clippers were in control for the entire game duration after taking control early in the first period. The Clippers shot 58% from the field in the first half on 25 of 43 shooting and 42% from behind the arc on 8 of 19 shooting.
Chicago shot 47% from the floor on 17 of 36 shooting from the field and 60% from the three-point line.
Clippers were ahead 64-53 at halftime.
Bones Hyland had himself a game filling in for the missing Harden with 17 points and a career-high 11 assists.
“We’re two totally different teams when Bones is playing and James is playing,” Lue said after the game.
The Clippers shot 62% in the second half, making 23 of 37 attempts, and went 12 of 21 from three for 57%. The Clippers concluded the game shooting 60% from the field and 50% from three.
Demar DeRozan led Chicago in scoring with 21 points.
In the second half, the Bulls shot 48% from the field on 24 of 50 shooting and 35% from three after making 7 of 20 attempts. Chicago finished the game shooting 47% from the field and 45% from three.
The Clippers now prepare for a high-powered matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans who are three games behind them for fourth place in the Western Conference standings as both jockey for playoff position.
