For the first time in their three meetings this season, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Lakers 127-116 on Tuesday night behind a triple-double from Kawhi Leonard and 23 points and 10 assists from James Harden.Leonard finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, three of which were crucial in the fourth quarter as the Clippers were hаnging on for a slim victory.
LeBron James was on the bench while D’Angelo Russell led the Lakers with 27 points, 10 assists, and Anthony Davis with 26 points and 12 rebounds.
James experiences daily pаin in his left ankle. Big man Ivica Zubac, who has been sidelined for at least a month due to a right calf issue, was not available for the Clippers.
The Lakers fell below.500 with the fourth straight road defeat, 22–23. Only once, early in the game, did they lead by a single point.
The Clippers have won 11 out of 13 games and three straight.
Early in the fourth, the Lakers twice came within two points. After passing to Norman Powell for a corner 3-pointer, Leonard found George for a layup. Powell added another basket, and Leonard added two more free throws to end a 9-0 run that put the Clippers up to 119-108. Powell scored 17 points in the end.
After tumbling down at mid-court in the fourth quarter, Lakers forward Cam Reddish hobbled off the floor, hardly able to bear any weight on his right leg.
In the third, the Lakers took turns attacking the hoop or making 3-pointers. Russell scored the team’s opening seven baskets. After making consecutive 3-pointers, he and Austin Reaves helped the Lakers close the gap to 92-88.
After a Rui Hachimura goaltending call, Russell Westbrook sandwiched 3-pointers around it, and Amir Coffey’s three put the Clippers ahead 106-97 going into the fourth quarter. Westbrook scored 16 points in the end.
The Clippers led 77-64 at halftime after shooting 66% from the field in the first half and pulling away with a 15-9 run. In the first half, when both sides scored on almost every possession, Leonard converted all seven of his field goals.
When Westbrook made a 3-pointer in the opening quarter, his right shoe was missing.