Kawhi Leonard scored 35 points and James Harden added 32, moving into ninth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, as the Los Angeles Clippers pulled away late to beat the Charlotte Hornets 117-109 on Monday night.
The Clippers won their fourth game in five outings behind their star duo. Harden began the night 14 points shy of Shaquille O’Neal for ninth place on the career scoring list and passed him with a 3-pointer early in the third quarter. Jordan Miller chipped in 14 points, and Ivica Zubac finished with nine points and 11 rebounds.
LaMelo Ball led Charlotte with 25 points and nine rebounds as the Hornets dropped their third game in four tries. Kon Knueppel scored 18 points, Moussa Diabate posted 13 points and 15 rebounds, Brandon Miller added 13, and Miles Bridges finished with 11.
The game tightened late in the fourth quarter when Tre Mann drilled a 3-pointer to give Charlotte a 100-99 lead with 7:18 remaining. Harden quickly took control, scoring eight points during a decisive 15-1 Clippers run that opened a 13-point advantage with just over four minutes left. The Hornets answered with six straight points to close within 114-107, but could not get any closer.
Leonard sparked Los Angeles in the third quarter, scoring 20 points and knocking down five 3-pointers. Harden contributed two free throws and a layup, and Leonard’s triple pushed the Clippers ahead 73-64. Ball responded with seven straight points as Charlotte surged back, briefly taking the lead twice before Miller’s layup at the buzzer gave Los Angeles an 86-84 edge entering the fourth.
Harden played the entire first quarter and scored 11 points, then struggled in the second, finishing the half with 13 points as the Clippers held a slim 45-43 lead at intermission. Leonard added 10 points before halftime.
The Hornets continue their five-game road trip Thursday night at the Los Angeles Lakers. The Clippers wrap up a two-game homestand Wednesday night against Washington.
