Kawhi Leonard scored 21 points and James Harden added 16 points and 10 assists as the Los Angeles Clippers rolled past the Utah Jazz 115-103 on Tuesday night, marking their ninth win in 10 games.
Kris Dunn contributed 14 points and a season-high five steals for the Clippers (22-24), who have been the NBA’s hottest team since Christmas. Los Angeles has now won 16 of its last 19 games after a 3-16 stretch just prior.
The Clippers took control in the third quarter with a 10-2 run sparked by Dunn’s two steals and layups, plus a 3-pointer that gave Los Angeles a 73-61 lead. From there, the Clippers maintained a double-digit advantage the rest of the way.
Utah’s Lauri Markkanen returned after missing seven games with illness and scored 19 points on 5-for-15 shooting. Ace Bailey led the Jazz with 20 points, while Brice Sensabaugh added 13, but Utah (15-32) has now lost seven of eight games.
With Leonard on the floor, the Clippers are 14-2 over their last 16 games and have won seven straight. Leonard has now scored at least 20 points in 25 consecutive games, joining Bob McAdoo, World B. Free, and Blake Griffin as the only players in franchise history with such a streak.
The Jazz were missing top playmakers Jusuf Nurkic (illness), who had three straight triple-doubles, and Keyonte George (rest), who averaged 28.8 points over his last five games. Utah started hot, scoring the first 10 points and holding a 54-53 halftime lead, but Los Angeles’ defense forced 10 steals, several shot-clock violations, and 17 total turnovers, which led to 23 Clippers points. Despite playing at the NBA’s slowest pace, Los Angeles also outscored Utah in fast-break points, 12-8.
Up next:
Clippers: Visit Denver on Friday
Jazz: Host Golden State on Wednesday
