LOS ANGELES — Kawhi Leonard continued his remarkable scoring run Thursday night, pouring in 24 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 112-104 win over Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers.
It marked Leonard’s career-high 23rd straight game with at least 20 points, as the Clippers survived a tense fourth quarter to secure their seventh win in eight games and 14th in their last 17.
Leonard briefly dealt with a left knee contusion but returned quickly and delivered down the stretch as the Clippers continued their steady rise in the Western Conference standings after a rough start to the season.
Late Drama in the Fourth
The Lakers made several late pushes. Dončić capped a 19-7 run with a three-pointer to cut the deficit to two, while LeBron James later sparked an 11-2 surge, pulling Los Angeles within three.
Each time, the Clippers answered.
James Harden drilled a key three after Dončić’s shot, and later sealed the game at the free-throw line. Ivica Zubac’s reverse dunk and a clutch John Collins three-pointer pushed the lead back to eight before the Clippers closed it out.
Stat Leaders
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Kawhi Leonard: 24 points
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James Harden: 18 points, 10 assists
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Ivica Zubac: 18 points, 19 rebounds
The Clippers had seven players score in double figures, highlighting their balanced attack.
For the Lakers:
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Luka Dončić: 32 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists
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LeBron James: 23 points
Los Angeles fell to 5-6 in their last 11 games.
Turning Points
Leonard, Harden, and Zubac combined to score the Clippers’ first 15 points of the third quarter, stretching the lead to a game-high 26 points. Although the Lakers responded with a strong run to cut the margin to 14 entering the fourth, they never fully erased the deficit.
The Clippers dominated the first half, shooting 59% from the floor and holding the Lakers to 42%, heading into halftime with a 64-47 lead.
The Lakers again played without Austin Reaves (calf strain), though head coach JJ Redick said the guard is expected back soon.
Up Next
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Lakers: Visit the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday to open a six-game road trip against Dončić’s former team.
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Clippers: Host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.
