Los Angeles, CA– In a dominant display, the Los Angeles Clippers (8-9) secured a convincing victory over the Sacramento Kings (10-6) with a final score of 131-117.
The Clippers were powered by a 34-point performance from Kawhi Leonard and a 26-point outing from James Harden.
“I think James just wanted to prove to y’all that he is James Harden” Ty Lue stated when talking about his guard’s terrific play to start the game.
Leonard had an impressive shooting display making 14 of 18 from the field, which included a successful two-of-three performance on 3-pointers.
All five starters scored in double figures and logged over 30 minutes for the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard knows the importance of having everyone involved he stated “It’s not about just me, Paul and James or (Russell Westbrook), it’s about the whole collective group. There’s going to be nights when I’m double-teamed or the defense isn’t letting me play. I have to allow myself to let them win the game. Just team basketball”
James Harden set the tone in the opening quarter. He exploded for 17 points, nailing 4 of 5 three-point attempts and going 6 of 9 from the field.
The Kings came out of the gate sluggish shooting 36% only managing to make 8 of 22 shots.
The Clippers led at the end of the quarter 35-27.
In the second quarter, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard shouldered the load for the Clippers.
Paul George, who finished the game with 19 points, scored 11 of those points in the second period, going 4 of 6 from field goal range and 2 of 3 from behind the arc.
Kawhi Leonard scored 12 points on 100% shooting, making 5 out of 5 attempts, and 1-1 from three-point territory.
De’Aaron Fox scored 10 of his 40 points in the second quarter and led the charge for the Kings, who trailed 72-50 at the end of the first half.
In the third quarter, Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac combined for 23 of the Clippers’ 30 points, which was highlighted by Kawhi’s poster dunk over JaVale McGee.
The Kings outscored the Clippers 31-30 in the quarter but still were down by 102-81 at the end of the period.
In the fourth period, both teams exhibited impressive shooting performances, with the Kings going 11 for 20 at 55%, while the Clippers shot 10 of 19, achieving a 52% field goal percentage.
De’Aaron Fox managed to score 17 points, but despite his efforts, the Kings could only narrow the Clippers’ lead to 13 before Los Angeles eventually pulled away for the win.
The Clippers continue their Bay Area road trip tonight, taking on the Golden State Warriors before heading home to take on the Warriors again at Crypto.com Arena.
