Kawhi Leonard delivered a dominant all-around performance with 31 points, nine rebounds and seven assists as the Los Angeles Clippers edged the Sacramento Kings 114-111 on Friday night, extending Sacramento’s losing streak to 11 games.
John Collins scored 22 points for the Clippers, while Brook Lopez and Kris Dunn each added 15 as Los Angeles snapped a two-game skid. The Clippers played without newly acquired guard Darius Garland, who has not appeared since Jan. 14 due to a sprained right big toe.
Malik Monk led Sacramento with 18 points, and Nique Clifford chipped in 16. Dylan Cardwell and Devin Carter each finished with 14 points, while De’Andre Hunter scored six in his second game with the Kings after being acquired earlier in the week.
The Kings carried a slim 49-48 lead into halftime, but Los Angeles took control late. Lopez knocked down a 3-pointer with 9:50 remaining to give the Clippers an 86-84 lead, and they held on through a tense finish behind Leonard’s steady playmaking and shot-making.
Sacramento, which hasn’t won since a Jan. 16 home victory over Washington, was unable to close the gap down the stretch as the Clippers executed in key moments.
Up next:
The Clippers head to Minnesota on Sunday, while the Kings return home to host Cleveland on Saturday night.
