Kawhi Leonard scored 33 points and James Harden added 22 as the Los Angeles Clippers continued their surge with a 119–105 win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.
The victory extended the Clippers’ winning streak to four games and improved their record to 11–2 since Dec. 20 after opening the season 6–21. Los Angeles accomplished the win while shorthanded, playing without starting center Ivica Zubac (ankle) and forward John Collins (groin), and with Leonard on a minutes restriction.
Leonard was highly efficient, knocking down 7 of 11 shots from 3-point range in 30 minutes. Yanic Konan Niederhauser chipped in 16 points, while Jordan Miller recorded 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The Clippers dominated early, jumping out to a 37–22 lead after the first quarter and stretching the advantage to 20 points midway through the second. Los Angeles led by as many as 24 before taking a 70–51 lead into halftime.
Washington mounted a strong response after the break, opening the second half with a 30–13 run to pull within 83–81 late in the third quarter. The Clippers steadied themselves and carried a 96–89 lead into the fourth.
Leonard put the game away early in the final period, scoring 11 straight points for Los Angeles. His 3-pointer with 6:14 remaining pushed the lead to 110–95.
Kyshawn George led the Wizards with 23 points, while Khris Middleton added 17. Marvin Bagley III finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Washington, which has lost four straight, remained short-handed following the trades of CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, and with Trae Young still sidelined by knee and quad injuries. Young is expected to be reevaluated after the All-Star break.
The Wizards were further hampered when center Alex Sarr was ejected late in the first half after picking up his second technical foul.
Up next:
Washington continues its road trip Friday at Sacramento. The Clippers head to Toronto on Friday night.
