Shooting guard Kobe Sanders sinked a three in the last 25 seconds of last night’s game against the Utah Jazz to establish a 115-103 win for the Los Angeles Clippers.
However, while Sanders had the game-clinching dagger, it was forward Kawhi Leonard who was the player of the night, scoring 21 points. It marked his 25th consecutive 20-point game. Point guard James Harden added 16 points and 10 assists in his performance, helping Los Angeles notch their ninth win in 10 games. The Clippers’ point guard also had his moments last night as he scored 14 points and a season best of five steals.
The Clippers have the best record in the NBA since Christmas, winning 16 of their last 19 games.
The Jazz were shorthanded in last night’s game. Center Jusuf Nurkic, who has had three straight triple doubles, was out with an illness. Simultaneously, guard Keyonte George, who averaged 28.8 points in the last five games was also out due to rest.
Even with their top playmakers out, the Jazz didn’t go quietly. Utah came in hot, dropping the first 10 points of the game and led 54-53 up until halftime.
Throughout the night, small forward Ace Bailey scored 20 points while forward Brice Sensabaugh grabbed 13 boards. Forward Lauri Markkanen joined in the fun as well, adding 19 onto the scoreboard.
By the second half of the game, Los Angeles locked in with their defense, forcing constant turnovers. Utah committed 17 turnovers and helped the Clippers earn 23 points. The Clippers also forced multiple steals and a couple of shot clock violations, leading them to ultimately pull away for a win.
Next up, the Clippers visit Denver to face the Nuggets on Friday.