Behind a lights-out night from beyond the arc and 28 points from forward Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Clippers crushed the Milwaukee Bucks, 129-89 Monday at Intuit Dome.
Five Clippers finished the night in the double figures, and Los Angeles shot a prolific 58% from the field and 44% from the 3-point line. Center Brook Lopez had a big night with 19 points and five made 3-pointers. Guard Gary Trent Jr. led the Bucks with 20 points off the bench.
It was a close, low energy first quarter, as neither team was able to find its rhythm.
Los Angeles led 28-24 after the first frame. Leonard got off to a slow start, struggling from beyond the arc and knocked in just one field goal in the first 12 minutes. Guard Darius Garland led the charge early for the Clippers with seven points in the first quarter. Garland finished the night with 15 points.
It was a big second quarter for the Clippers, who saw the shots begin to fall in a variety of ways and stretched out its lead. Los Angeles knocked down seven 3-pointers in the second quarter—a big difference maker.
Guard Kobe Sanders provided a big spark off the bench with 11 points in the first half, and he finished the night with 19 points. Leonard started the game 1-of-7 from the field but exploded with a 16-point second quarter.
As the shots would not fall, Milwaukee also shot itself in the foot with 14 turnovers in the first half. The Clippers, on the other hand, were efficient and took care of the ball, shooting 59% from the field, 50% from three and committing six less turnovers in the first half, resulting in a 71-47 lead for Los Angeles at halftime.
Los Angeles picked up right where they left off to begin the third quarter, going on a 22-2 run midway through the period. Lopez especially caught fire, knocking down four 3-pointers in the third quarter.
The Clippers’ put the game out of reach before it even reached the fourth quarter: head coach Tyronn Lue subbed out his starters with just 3:46 to go in the third.
With just 10 games remaining in the regular season, the Clippers find themselves in position to make a push for the postseason. Los Angeles will be back in action Wednesday night against the Toronto Raptors at Intuit Dome.