Kawhi Leonard continued his torrid stretch, scoring 24 points to extend his career-high streak to 23 consecutive games with at least 20, as the Los Angeles Clippers held off a late rally to defeat Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers 112–104 on Thursday night.
The Clippers, who have now won seven of their last eight and 14 of 17 overall, continued their surge up the Western Conference standings. Leonard, playing through a left knee contusion, didn’t sit long in the fourth quarter and delivered again when it mattered most.
After building a 26-point lead early in the third quarter, the Clippers saw the Lakers claw their way back. LeBron James scored four straight points during a 19–7 run capped by Doncic’s 3-pointer that pulled the Lakers within two. James Harden quickly answered with a triple of his own, sparking a 10–0 Clippers response that pushed the lead back to 103–91.
The Lakers made one final push, with James converting a jumper and a three-point play as part of an 11–2 run to trim the deficit to three. Ivica Zubac’s reverse dunk and a John Collins 3-pointer steadied the Clippers, and Harden sealed the win at the free-throw line.
Doncic finished with 32 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, while James added 23 points. The loss dropped the Lakers to 5–6 over their last 11 games.
Harden recorded 18 points and 10 assists, and Zubac posted 18 points and 19 rebounds for the Clippers, who had seven players score in double figures. Leonard, Harden and Zubac combined for the Clippers’ first 15 points of the third quarter to blow the game open.
Los Angeles controlled the first half, closing on a 17–7 run to take a 64–47 lead into the break. The Clippers shot 59% from the field while holding the Lakers to 42%. Doncic scored just three of his 17 first-half points in the second quarter as Leonard anchored the second unit against both Doncic and James.
The Lakers remained without Austin Reaves due to a calf strain, though coach JJ Redick said he expects him back soon.
Up next:
The Lakers open a six-game road trip Saturday at Dallas against Doncic’s former team, while the Clippers host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.
