Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points and John Collins added 25 as the Los Angeles Clippers erased a late double-digit deficit to defeat the short-handed Detroit Pistons 98-92 on Saturday night.
Los Angeles trailed by as many as 19 points in the first half and was still down 14 early in the fourth quarter before closing the game on a decisive 28-8 run. Detroit unraveled down the stretch, committing 12 turnovers in the final period.
James Harden finished with 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for the Clippers, who improved to 9-2 over their last 11 games.
Detroit was without much of its core, playing minus Cade Cunningham (wrist), Isaiah Stewart (illness), Tobias Harris (hip) and Jalen Duren (ankle). The absences left the Pistons without their top three scorers, three of their top four rebounders and their top three shot blockers. Cunningham also entered the night as the only player in the league with more than 100 assists this season.
Despite the depleted lineup, Detroit controlled much of the game. Duncan Robinson led the Pistons with 20 points, though he attempted just one shot in the second half. Ron Holland II scored 16 points and punctuated the night with a windmill dunk in transition that pushed Detroit’s lead to 84-70 early in the fourth. Tolu Smith added nine points and a career-high 14 rebounds.
The Clippers responded immediately, ripping off a 12-0 run to get back into the game. Harden’s three-point play tied the score at 90 with 2:59 remaining, and Collins gave Los Angeles its first lead of the quarter at 93-92 with two minutes to play. After another Pistons turnover, Harden set up Ivica Zubac for a dunk to extend the lead.
Detroit had chances late but couldn’t capitalize. Javonte Green missed a potential tying 3-pointer, and Paul Reed committed Detroit’s 25th turnover after grabbing the rebound. Harden sealed the game by hitting one of two free throws with seconds remaining.
The Pistons had built their early advantage by forcing turnovers, converting 14 Clippers giveaways into 18 points in the first half and holding a 14-2 edge in fast-break scoring.
The Clippers return home to host the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, while the Pistons are back in action Thursday at home against the Phoenix Suns.
