Clippers News: Orange County Register

Clippers’ Paul George gains admirers after his 33-point effort

Janis Carr — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 01:18:28 +0000

LOS ANGELES — Paul George had no intention of striking the same pose that his latest bobblehead depicts – him coming off a two-handed dunk with a laser-sharp look that focused on the next play.

But that’s exactly what happened in the fourth quarter of the Clippers’ 112-106 victory against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday. His hard-charging slam with 5:47 left gave the Clippers a 98-94 lead that they never relinquished, immortalizing his dunking ability not only in a figurine but in the minds of the fans at Crypto.com Arena.

“I just happened (to make it) happen on my bobblehead night,” George said.

George’s eye-popping dunk was an exclamation point to his game-high 33-point game, scoring 20 of his points in the second-half comeback. The Clippers had trailed by as many as 13 in the first half against the Pistons, who came into the game having won just seven games this season.

“I give Monty (Williams, Pistons coach) credit, I give the Pistons credit,” George said. “They’re playing well over the past three or four games … this is one of those tough games.”

Whether it was the dunk or his dominating play, George seemed to find a new fan. Pistons center Jaden Duren asked for George’s jersey shortly after the game. The Clippers All-Star obliged, handing Duren a sweaty No. 13 jersey.

Yet it was Pistons’ point guard Cade Cunningham that impressed George. Cunningham finished with 20 points, six rebounds and 10 assists.

“I love Cade’s game. He’s really good,” George said. “He’s athletic. He’s strong. I think that’s really where he’s going to be a problem for many years to come.

“You talk about his size, his ball-handling ability, his play-making ability, and just how strong he is, and they got a strong nucleus of their core.

“They are going to be good when they figure it out playing together. But I love his game. He’s competitive. I think he’s a great leader at such a young age already. He’s going to be good and I’m looking forward to watching his success throughout the season.”

ONE MONTH LATER

It’s been a month since teammate Kawhi Leonard signed a three-year, $153 million extension and it was believed that George would sign an extension soon afterward. But there hasn’t been any announcement of a deal being reached.

Is the goal for both sides to come to an agreement?

“That’s the goal.”

Is there any new update?

“That’s the goal.”

HARD HIT

Norman Powell suffered a deep gash between his eyebrows when Duren elbowed him while both went up for a rebound in the fourth quarter. He lay in a pool of blood on the court before heading to the locker room with 5:12 to play.

Powell, sporting a bandage that covered stitches, said he would be fine. “Yeah, I’m tough,” he said.

Clippers have to scrap and rally to fend off Pistons

Janis Carr — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 23:30:25 +0000

LOS ANGELES — Typical of a matinee game, the Clippers stumbled Saturday and fell behind by double digits, this time to the lowly Detroit Pistons. And before they could figure a way out, they first needed to quell a late-game push from their opponents before clinching a 112-106 victory.

The Clippers trailed by 13 points early in the first half and by nine at halftime. Then Paul George and Kawhi Leonard upped their games to lead the Clippers to the tougher-than-expected victory.

“We were sloppy and then scrappy,” George said.

And that is what can happen, Coach Tyronn Lue said no matter the time of day.

“You’re not going to play great every night and like I told you before the game, Monty has his team playing fast, they’re playing well together,” Lue said. “They execute and their pace, like attacking the basket, attacking the rims, especially with (Jaden) Ivey, really puts a lot of pressure on us.

“But I give our guys credit for just staying with it, being resilient and finding a way to win this game.”

That came largely at the hands of George, who scored 20 of his game-high 33 points in the second half – 15 in the fourth quarter – and Leonard, who posted 24 points and five assists.

The Clippers went to work quickly in the second half, chipping away at the Pistons’ lead to pull within 88-86 in the fourth quarter after James Harden was fouled on a short jumper and made the free throw to complete the three-point play. Less than a minute later, he again was fouled, this time on a 3-point attempt, and made all three free throws to give the Clippers their first lead, 89-88, since early in the game.

The lead changed several times before Norman Powell’s driving layup with 6:59 left gave the Clippers a 96-92 lead they never relinquished. Powell later left the game after getting hit with an elbow in the face. He needed stitches to close the two-inch gash between his eyebrows.

The Clippers didn’t let up. The Pistons kept up the pressure, but the closest they could come down the stretch was five as George continued his assault.

George gave the Clippers a 98-94 lead with a powerful dunk, just a part of his second-half effort. His shooting had been off lately because of a lingering groin issue but he showed no effects of the injury Saturday. He shot 14 of 24 from the field and 4 of 13 from 3-point range and had five rebounds and three assists.

Harden finished with 14 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Russell Westbrook had 13 points and Amir Coffey 12.

More likely, it was the energetic play of a young Pistons team, not the early hour, that initially threw the Clippers off. The Clippers became only the fifth team in NBA history not to record an offensive rebound among their 35 total rebounds.

The Pistons pulled down 57 boards.

“We played early against one of the young teams and you got to be ready for them,” George said. “I thought they were ready to come out.

“We had to make the adjustments about playing the small ball and that helped us with creating energy. I think that was just the turning point of the game.”

The victory put the Clippers (35-16) into second place in the Western Conference, a half-game behind the Minnesota Timberwolves (36-16). The teams meet on Monday at Crypto.com Arena.

Amid a potentially historically bad season, the Pistons (7-44) came into the afternoon game having won their past two games, and while their play was erratic at times and some shots missed the basket completely, they played much more aggressively than the veteran team on the other side of the court.

The Clippers clearly weren’t ready for what the Pistons brought to Crypto.com Arena.

Jaden Ivey led Detroit with 23 points, Cade Cunningham added 22 points, six rebounds and 10 assists, and Simone Fontecchio, who was traded to Detroit by the Utah Jazz, scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds off the bench in his Pistons debut.

Jalen Duren finished with 10 points and 18 rebounds.

Coach Tyronn Lue knew what the Clippers were getting into, warning that the Clippers needed to be prepared to run against a team that had turned over nearly half their team before the trade deadline.

“We just have to be ready for today from start to finish,” Lue said. “You can’t think about how they started or the losing streak and all that. They’re a pretty good team, they are playing better basketball and they’re going to be a pretty good team.”

Almost better than the Clippers on Saturday.

The Clippers couldn’t get out of their own way in the first half. They turned the ball over eight times, which led to 11 Pistons points. They were 6 of 19 from 3-point range and were outrebounded by 17, posting no offensive boards, in the first 24 minutes that ultimately led to a 58-49 Pistons halftime lead.

Largely, the Pistons outplayed the Clippers, who were looking to get back on a winning streak after losing to the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday.

Not helping matters was the poor shooting by Harden and Mann in the opening half. Harden was 1 of 5 – all 3-point attempts – and Mann was scoreless with two shots.

Lue had mentioned before the game that Pistons coach Monte Williams would have the young team playing like contenders at some point once they learn how to win. Despite their record, the Pistons have been in several games down the stretch but have been unable to close out opponents.

“The execution is there; the young guys are getting better. They are understanding the system. That’s all you can ask for.”

And not to notch an elusive victory against your team.

Comfortable Clippers happy to avoid midseason roster changes

Janis Carr — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 23:03:48 +0000

PLAYA VISTA — For the first time since taking over as the Clippers’ head coach, Tyronn Lue doesn’t have to juggle his rotations after the trade deadline. He doesn’t have to incorporate new faces into the locker room or learn new names.

He did all of that on Oct. 31 after the Clippers added 10-time All-Star James Harden in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, adding the former league MVP to a veteran-laden lineup. So far, the addition of Harden has produced overwhelmingly positive results.

After losing five games after landing Harden, the Clippers (34-16) have lost just nine of 31 games, including Wednesday’s 117-106 defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans. They sit in fourth place in the Western Conference, but are only one game behind the leaders. The Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves are tied for first with 36-16 records.

“It’s good,” Lue said of having a set roster this late in the season. “I think what we’ve done since acquiring James and the different rotations, different combinations and finally getting it down to where it works for our team is really good. Just having familiarity with each other on the floor, I think guys are feeling comfortable in their roles, their minutes, and how we’re playing.

“So, to break that up, I’m glad that didn’t happen. I’m happy for the team we have, the guys we have in the locker room, and we’ll see what we have going forward.”

The Clippers made one minor move before Thursday’s trade deadline, acquiring Frenchman Israel Kamagate from the Nuggets for cash considerations in a trade-and-stash situation. Kamagate currently plays for Bertram Derthona Tortona in Italy’s LBA league.

The lone move means the Clippers will continue with the same lineup as try to lock down a high playoff seed over the final 32 games of the regular season.

Standing pat also means that power forward P.J. Tucker, who came to the Clippers as part of the Harden deal, remains a part of the team. The 16-year NBA veteran had been vocal about his desire for playing time, either with the Clippers or elsewhere, in the days leading to Thursday’s trade deadline. He has not played since Nov. 27.

Then late Thursday, Tucker expressed his feelings on his Instagram account, calling the lack of a trade “a (frigging) joke.”

“We like P.J. here and he’ll get an opportunity,” Lue said. “If you’re a competitor you’re going to get frustrated because everybody wants to play,” Lue said. “Like I said, P.J. will be OK.”

Lue added that Tucker’s presence in the locker room will not be a problem. Tucker was on the court shooting earlier than usual Friday before the Clippers practiced. They play the Detroit Pistons in a matinee game on Saturday.

Terance Mann’s locker sits next to Tucker’s, and he said he hasn’t noticed any discontentment.

“P.J.’s been great. He’s been great, he’s always vocal on the bench, you know, telling us what we need to be doing, what we don’t need to be doing,” Mann said. “He’s a great guy. He’s not going to be selfish and take away from the team at all.”

DETROIT AT CLIPPERS

When: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

Where: Crypto.com Arena

TV/Radio: Bally Sports SoCal, 570 AM

Clippers acquire Ismael Kamagate, don’t trade P.J. Tucker or Bones Hyland

Janis Carr — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 21:14:39 +0000

The Clippers concluded Thursday’s trade deadline by keeping their current roster intact, making only one minor move. The team traded for Denver Nuggets center Ismael Kamagate, a second-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, in exchange for cash considerations.

The 6-foot-11 Kamagate was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 46th overall pick and subsequently traded to the Portland Trail Blazers and then to the Nuggets. He has not played in an NBA game, opting instead to continue to play in Europe.

The Clippers will now have his rights if the 23-year-old French-born player decides to join the NBA.

The Clippers’ lack of additional moves leaves P.J. Tucker and Bones Hyland on the roster. The two had been the target of recent trade rumors. Tucker has been vocal about wanting to be traded to another team where he could see significant minutes.

Tucker, who came to the Clippers in the Oct. 31 trade that brought James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers, has not played since Nov. 27. He told ESPN’s Marc Spears on Wednesday that he wanted to be “somewhere where I’m needed, wanted and can do it all.” Tucker reportedly will not seek a buyout and is expected to remain with the team for the rest of the season.

Harden called the 38-year-old Tucker a “game-changer.”

“P.J. brings leadership and depending on what happens after tomorrow, if he’s here, he’ll get locked in and be a part of this as far as, I mean, being in the rotation,” Harden said after the Clippers’ loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.

Hyland, 23, also has seen his minutes drop since Harden’s arrival, his playing time reduced to end-of-game situations. After averaging 16 points during the first month of the season, Hyland is averaging 3.6 points in 15 games.

Road-weary Clippers look a step slow in loss to Pelicans

Janis Carr — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 05:50:04 +0000

From left, the Clippers’ Bones Hyland, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac watch from the bench during the second half of their loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac, right, defends as New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson looks to shoot during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers star Paul George handles the ball as New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The New Orleans Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III scores on a layup in front of Clippers guard Russell Westbrook during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Terance Mann, left, looks to shoot as New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, center, reacts as he is fouled on his shot between the Clippers’ Mason Plumlee, left, and Russell Westbrook during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram drives as Clippers guard James Harden defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue reacts behind guard Russell Westbrook during the first half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram, left, shoots as Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The New Orleans Pelicans’ Jose Alvarado looks to pass the ball as Clippers guard James Harden defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard drives as New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas, left, shoots as Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The New Orleans Pelicans’ Herbert Jones scores on a layup in front of Clippers center Ivica Zubac, bottom center, during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, right, fouls Clippers guard James Harden during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers guard James Harden, left, is greeted by a fan after he fell into a courtside seat during the first half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson shoots a fallaway shot in front of Clippers center Mason Plumlee during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, left, and Clippers guard Russell Westbrook reach for a rebound during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels gets to the basket for a layup during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers guard Norman Powell shoots as New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram, right, tries to block it during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The New Orleans Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III, center, drives to the basket between Clippers center Mason Plumlee, left, and Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, right, during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard looks to pass the ball as New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones, left, and forward Zion Williamson defend during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The New Orleans Pelicans’ CJ McCollum shoots as Clippers guard James Harden defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, left, is fouled by New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The New Orleans Pelicans’ Dyson Daniels drives to the basket between the Clippers’ James Harden, left, and Mason Plumlee during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard handles the ball as New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum defends during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram handles the ball in front of Clippers star Paul George during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, left, reacts as he loses the ball in front of Clippers guard Russell Westbrook during the first half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers center Mason Plumlee, left, and guard James Harden, right, defend against New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue, right, reacts after a foul call during the second half of their loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers center Mason Plumlee, left, falls to the court after he fouled New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson celebrates after a basket during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers guard Norman Powell attempts a shot in front of the New Orleans Pelicans’ CJ McCollum (3) and Larry Nance Jr. during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dyson Daniels dunks during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook leaps to keep the ball from going out of bounds during the second half of their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers center Mason Plumlee, right, reacts as he is held by New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram while reaching for the ball during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard drives to the basket between the New Orleans Pelicans’ Larry Nance Jr., right, and CJ McCollum during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, left, defends as New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson handles the ball during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers guard Norman Powell scores between the New Orleans Pelicans’ Larry Nance Jr., right, and Herbert Jones during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Norman Powell, left, defends against New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard holds the ball as the New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson defends during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard drives to the basket as the New Orleans Pelicans’ CJ McCollum (3), Brandon Ingram (14) and Larry Nance Jr., right, defend during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Larry Nance Jr. dunks in front of Clippers star Kawhi Leonard during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers center Mason Plumlee, center, loses the ball between the New Orleans Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III, right, and Brandon Ingram during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado gets to the basket for a layup during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, right, reacts as he is fouled while shooting between the New Orleans Pelicans’ Herbert Jones, back, CJ McCollum (3) and Zion Williamson, far left, during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, right, posts up as Clippers guard Russell Westbrook defends during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, left, and New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson reach for a rebound during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, left, shoots as Clippers center Mason Plumlee defends during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, center, reacts as he loses the ball between the New Orleans Pelicans’ Larry Nance Jr., right, and Herbert Jones during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden, back, fouls New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones during the second half on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The New Orleans Pelicans’ CJ McCollum, right, runs to the ball after the opening tip-off during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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LOS ANGELES — Clippers coach Tyronn Lue called it a mental game, a contest that would not only test his players’ weary legs but their focus, challenges that proved too difficult to overcome.

The Clippers faced the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night for their eighth game in 14 days and the effects of a long road trip showed. There were 18 turnovers, 43 missed shots, too many bad passes and not enough production from their stars, resulting in a lackluster 117-106 loss at Crypto.com Arena – just their sixth loss in 32 games since the start of December.

Lue said getting up for any game shouldn’t be difficult, especially against a team that had beaten the Clippers in nine of their past 11 meetings. But this one was different.

“It was a tough, tough game for us,” Lue said. “But no excuses. I’m pretty sure we’re not the only team who’s gone through this, but it is what it is. Everyone has a bad schedule game at some point in the season.”

This was that game for the Clippers (34-16), who, for the first time all season, never held a lead.

From the onset, the Clippers seemed off-kilter. All-Star Paul George didn’t score his first point – a technical foul free throw – until three minutes had elapsed in the third quarter and his first basket 29 seconds later. He scored seven points on 3-of-15 shooting, going 0 for 8 from 3-point range, and had one rebound and four assists.

Fellow All-Star Kawhi Leonard was double-teamed for most of the night and didn’t reach double figures until the second half, finishing with a modest 15 points on 4-of-10 shooting. Russell Westbrook lacked his usual energy off the bench and finished with four points, four assists and three rebounds.

Even James Harden didn’t play with his usual pass-first efficiency and left the game with a team-high 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Norman Powell had 18 points off the bench and Ivica Zubac contributed 12 points and eight rebounds.

The Clippers – who had moved atop the Western Conference standings (by percentage points) when Minnesota and Oklahoma City lost on Tuesday night – managed to get their head into the game in the final quarter, quickly cutting a 10-point deficit in half at 79-74 on a 3-pointer by Amir Coffey and a 2-foot toss by back-up center Mason Plumlee.

With four starters on the bench, the Clippers continued to keep the margin close, pulling within 84-80 on a 3-pointer by Harden. But their efforts were undone by a lack of stops at the other end as the Pelicans ran off eight straight points to regain a 10-point lead.

“Coming from a long road trip, there’s no excuse,” Harden said. “We had plenty of opportunities to win the game, but fatigue played a part in it – three games in four nights coming from Miami, Atlanta, you know what I mean? So, it is what it is. It’s a part of it. Now we get some rest, finish the last three games strong (before the All-Star break.)”

What the Clippers will look like before the first of those three games Saturday remains to be seen. The Clippers have a history of being active before the trade deadline and Thursday’s noon PT cutoff shouldn’t be any different.

P.J. Tucker, who came to the team in the trade with Harden, and reserve point guard Bones Hyland are targeted to be elsewhere by the weekend. George, however, didn’t think the team would make any moves.

“We’re honestly not looking to make any moves. … We know we have enough to win right now,” he said.

Just not enough in the tank to beat the Pelicans.

Playing through a bone bruise in his left foot, Zion Williamson scored 13 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter and finished one shy of his career high in assists with 10, taking over down the stretch with a series of unstoppable drives to the hoop. CJ McCollum’s fifth 3-pointer with 5:15 to play stretched the Pelicans’ lead to 105-89.

McCollum scored 13 of his game-high 25 points in the fourth quarter and had seven rebounds, and Brandon Ingram finished with 15 points and eight rebounds.

The Clippers returned home after winning six of seven games during their Grammy road trip, a nearly two-week stretch of games that they won in different ways. In some games, they had little trouble with opponents. At other times, they had to find ways to overcome slow starts or poor defensive games. It seemed to take a toll.

“So, we can win pretty, we can win ugly, we can win in between,” Lue said. “If you’re going to be an elite team and a great team in this league, you got to be able to win in different ways in different fashions if we’ve been able to do that on that road trip.”

Back at home, they couldn’t find a way to overcome the Pelicans (30-21), who extended their winning streak to four.

From the opening tip, the Clippers looked like a team that had traversed three time zones in 12 days. They were erratic and error-prone and trailed by as many as 17 points in the first half before closing the gap to eight (55-47) in the final three minutes before halftime.

The Pelicans jumped out to an early 11-2 lead but were met with an identical run by the Clippers that tied the score at 13. New Orleans, however, continued to pound the Clippers inside, shooting 53.5% from the field in the opening half to build a 36-19 lead at the end of the first quarter.

It might have been the Clippers’ worst quarter this season. They committed eight turnovers, were outrebounded and outplayed in most other categories as the Clippers got little production from George and Terance Mann.

George and Mann combined were 0 for 11 in the first 24 minutes.

And when they did complete a pass or basket, it was met with a turnover or a 3-pointer by Trey Murphy. They kicked their defense into gear and managed to slow the Pelicans in the second quarter.

“They played better than we did,” Lue said. “Their adjustments were pretty good. (Pelicans coach) Willie (Green) did a good job putting Herb (Jones) on James and putting Zion on Kawhi, and it worked tonight, and they played well, so give them credit.

“The game plan was good, and they won the game. That’s it.”

CLIMBING ANOTHER LIST

Harden passed Maurice Cheeks (7,392) for 15th place on the NBA’s career assists list during the second quarter.

"Give them credit" – Coach Lue on the Pelicans success against the Clippers…@LAClippers | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/Q1m4DKRYMc

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) February 8, 2024

Sizzling Clippers concerned about defensive lapses

Janis Carr — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 22:59:57 +0000

Twelve days, seven cities, six victories.

The Clippers’ recent stretch of games that took them from Toronto to Atlanta tested not only the team’s resolve to maintain its status among the NBA’s best teams, but also its defense.

Throughout the Grammy-induced trip, the Clippers found themselves trailing early or battling to hold onto leads late in games and using their explosive offensive power to propel them to victories.

So glaring were their defensive struggles that after beating the Detroit Pistons in a game in which they trailed early, All-Star Kawhi Leonard uncharacteristically spoke out and suggested the Clippers were winning games largely on their talent and that they needed to “be focused on execution.”

Leonard wasn’t wrong. After beating the Atlanta Hawks on Monday in a 149-144 shootout to go 6-1 on the trip, Coach Tyronn Lue pointed to the team’s sporadic defensive lapses. The Clippers’ lone setback was a 10-point loss on Jan. 29 to another of the league’s hottest teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“This was a hell of a trip for us, you know. We go 6-1 against the caliber of teams we played on this trip. Coming into I, we knew it was going to be a tough battle,” Lue said after the Atlanta game.

“But I give these guys credit. We stuck with it, and we got down in some games early, continued to keep fighting,” Lue added. “And like I said, just a total team effort. Everyone contributed on all offensive end, but defensively, we got to get back home, and really start locking up defensively and getting better because we are better than that.”

But as Lue added, the season moves forward and with one day of rest, the Clippers (34-15), who have won 26 of their 31 games since Dec. 1, come home to face the New Orleans Pelicans (29-21) on Wednesday in the first of three straight home games.

“Yeah, that’s not fair, but it is what it is,” Lue said.

Unlike their defense, the Clippers have shown no slippage offensively. Leonard scored 36 points against the Hawks, marking the sixth consecutive game that he has posted at least 25 points. He is averaging 24.4 points and in his past 10 games, he has shot 58.1% from the field and 94.1% from the free-throw line, validating his NBA Player of the Week honors.

James Harden averaged 18.5 points, 9.0 assists and 6.5 rebounds as well as 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocked shots in his past 10 games, while Paul George has contributed 18.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game during that same stretch.

“I mean he (Leonard) has been huge for us all year you know and the addition of James, James is being you know, massive,” Lue said, adding that George is stepping up despite a nagging groin issue.

“This is a team we have constructed. Like we have a lot of talent. We can do a lot of different things. We can play a lot of different lineups. We can play big; we can play small. And just continue getting better every day and just, you know, defensively.”

Despite their defensive inconsistencies, the Clippers moved into first place in the Western Conference (by percentage points) when Oklahoma City (35-16) and Minnesota (35-16) both lost on Tuesday night. They remain confident and committed to their goal of an NBA title, strengthened by what they accomplished on the road.

“We bonded on the road,” Leonard said Monday during an on-court postgame interview. “It’s very tough on the road and we were able to get it done.”

NEW ORLEANS AT CLIPPERS

When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Where: Crypto.com Arena

TV/radio: Bally Sports SoCal, ESPN, 570 AM

Kawhi Leonard, Clippers outlast Hawks to finish 6-1 trip

The Associated Press — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 03:35:35 +0000

Clippers stars James Harden, left, and Kawhi Leonard talk during a timeout in the second half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard takes a shot as Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray defends during the first half on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
The Atlanta Hawks’ Onyeka Okongwu catches a pass over Clippers guard Amir Coffey during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden scores as Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu defends during the first half on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Clippers guard James Harden celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young, right, looks to drives around Clippers guard Norman Powell during the first half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook loses control of the ball as he tries to drive between the Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young, left, and Saddiq Bey during the first half on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Clippers center Mason Plumlee dunks in front of Atlanta Hawks forward Saddiq Bey during the first half on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard drives as the Atlanta Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic defends during the first half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard jogs back down the court after making a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks’ De’Andre Hunter goes up to shoot as Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, back, defends during the first half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder calls to his players during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks’ Onyeka Okongwu dunks in front of the Clippers’ Terance Mann during the first half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks’ Onyeka Okongwu dunks in front of the Clippers’ Terance Mann, center, during the first half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers forward P.J. Tucker looks on from the bench during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard drives between Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, left, and forward Jalen Johnson during the first half on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray shoots as Clippers star Paul George, right, and center Mason Plumlee defend during the first half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden, left, converses with Coach Tyronn Lue during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue talks with guard James Harden during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Clippers guard James Harden handles the ball as Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray defends during the first half on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Clippers guard James Harden gestures after making a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder watches from the sideline during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
The Clippers’ Mason Plumlee, center, and Terance Mann, right, battle Atlanta Hawks forward Saddiq Bey (41) for a rebound during the first half on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray drives to the basket past Clippers center Mason Plumlee during the first half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard drives as the Atlanta Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic defends during the first half on Monday night in Atlanta. Leonard scored 36 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, and the Clippers finished their long road trip in style with a 149-144 victory. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard dunks in front of Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu during the first half on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue calls to his players from the sideline during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden celebrates after making a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden (1) celebrates next to teammate Paul George after making a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook attacks the basket as the Atlanta Hawks’ Jalen Johnson defends during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young drives past Clippers guard Russell Westbrook during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Clippers star Paul George drives as the Atlanta Hawks’ Onyeka Okongwu defends during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks’ Bruno Fernando goes up for a shot as Clippers center Daniel Theis, back, defends during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks forward Bruno Fernando, left, looks to shoot as Clippers center Daniel Theis defends during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
The Atlanta Hawks’ Bruno Fernando, right, celebrates with Wesley Matthews after drawing a foul on a dunk during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard goes up for a dunk in front of the Atlanta Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray gestures after making a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George drives as Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young defends during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook soars to the basket for a dunk during the second half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks forward Bruno Fernando, left, and Clippers center Daniel Theis reach for a jump ball during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, right, grabs a rebound over the Atlanta Hawks’ Dejounte Murray during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden, center, draws a foul as he drives between the Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young, left, and Jalen Johnson during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden, center, draws a foul as he drives between the Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young, left, and Jalen Johnson during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden, center, draws a foul as he drives between the Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young, left, and Jalen Johnson during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks forward Bruno Fernando is fouled by Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, left, as he goes up for a dunk during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Hawks forward Bruno Fernando celebrates after a dunk during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard gets to the basket for a layup during the second half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers stars James Harden, left, and Kawhi Leonard talk during a timeout in the second half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook drives as the Atlanta Hawks’ Jalen Johnson defends during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook drives to the basket in front of the Atlanta Hawks’ Jalen Johnson during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook runs down the court after a basket during the second half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard, right, passes the ball as the Atlanta Hawks’ Dejounte Murray defends during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George attacks the basket during the second half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden (1) celebrates with Paul George, left, during the second half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young reacts during the final seconds of their 149-144 loss to the Clippers on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard drives past the Atlanta Hawks’ Onyeka Okongwu, center, and Trae Young on his way to the basket during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard gets to the basket for a layup as the Atlanta Hawks’ Onyeka Okongwu defends during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers forward Paul George, left, battles Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) for a rebound during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Clippers guard Norman Powell attempts a shot as the Atlanta Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic, left, and Bruno Fernando defend during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden reacts after drawing a foul while attempting a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden, left, celebrates with Paul George after drawing a foul on a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard James Harden, left, celebrates with Russell Westbrook after drawing a foul while taking a 3-point shot during the second half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook drives as the Atlanta Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic, left, and Trae Young defend during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George drives as Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young defends during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guards Russell Westbrook, left, and James Harden stand together during free throw attempts in the second half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard drives as the Atlanta Hawks’ De’Andre Hunter defends during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook drives as the Atlanta Hawks’ Bogdan Bogdanovic (13) and De’Andre Hunter, back, defend during the second half on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard looks on during a timeout in the second half of their game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers star James Harden autographs a shoe for a fan after their 149-144 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook walks off the court after their 149-144 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night in Atlanta. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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By BILL TROCCHI The Associated Press

ATLANTA — Home or away, there is no slowing Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers right now.

Leonard scored 36 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, and the Clippers finished off a long road trip in style with a 149-144 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night.

James Harden had 30 points and 10 assists, and Paul George scored 18 for the Clippers, who went 6-1 on their 13-day Grammy trip and improved to 26-5 since Nov. 30. They won at Miami on Sunday, the front end of this back-to-back.

“To go 6-1 against the caliber of teams we played on this trip, coming into it, we knew tonight was going to be tough,” Coach Tyronn Lue said. “Got down early in the second half, continued to keep fighting. It was a total team effort.”

Trae Young, the Eastern Conference Player of the Week, had 25 points and De’Andre Hunter matched a season-high with 27 off the bench for the Hawks, who had won four in a row.

The Clippers shot 60% from 3-point range, while the Hawks were at 51.3%. The 149 points were the Clippers’ second-most of the season, and they only turned the ball over seven times.

“Taking care of the basketball has always been a big key for us,” Lue said. “We are too good offensively to turn it over. If we get shots up, we’re going to be pretty good.”

Leonard, the Western Conference Player of the Week, keyed an 8-2 burst with less than 2:30 remaining, hitting a 3-pointer, converting a three-point play and assisting on a layup. The run gave the Clippers a 139-130 lead.

After three free throws by Young, Harden banked in a 3-pointer while being fouled and stretched the lead to 142-133 with 1:06 left.

Lue was disappointed that his team permitted 43 points in the fourth quarter.

“We’ve got to get back home and be better (on defense),” he said. “I don’t know if it was fatigue. Guys have played a lot of games, a lot of minutes. I’ll give them a little bit of a break with that, but we have to be better. We had some slippage, so we have to get home and clean this stuff up.”

A back-and-forth third quarter ended with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Clippers center Daniel Theis that gave them a 102-101 edge entering the fourth.

Young tied the score at 66 with a driving basket in the final second of the second period.

Hawks center Clint Capela, who has started 47 games, sat out with a left adductor strain and will be re-evaluated in seven to 10 days.

Clippers starting center Ivica Zubac (right calf strain) remained out after being listed as questionable.

UP NEXT

The Clippers host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Kawhi Leonard and James Harden ran the show for the Clippers in their win in ATL!

Leonard: 36 PTS, 5 3PM, 5 AST
Harden: 30 PTS, 10 AST, 8 REB pic.twitter.com/KDe0UJT1PY

— NBA (@NBA) February 6, 2024

"I'm believing in my work" – Kawhi on his 36 point night

@Kristina_Pink

@LAClippers | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/C4Il3zTc88

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) February 6, 2024

Coach Lue reflects on the late W in Atlanta and successful 6-1 road trip @LAClippers | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/QpoIA5U69l

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) February 6, 2024

JAMES HARDEN UNREAL 4 POINT PLAY @LAClippers | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/5t4O8kE2ET

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) February 6, 2024

Kawhi Leonard scores 25, Clippers top Heat for 25th win in last 30 games

The Associated Press — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 02:10:38 +0000

Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin (16) drives to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the LA Clippers, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin (16) drives to the basket as LA Clippers center Mason Plumlee (44) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) defends Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
LA Clippers guard Amir Coffey (7) aims a three point basket as Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin (16) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
LA Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue gestures during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
LA Clippers forward Paul George (13) aims to score asMiami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) dribbles around LA Clippers center Mason Plumlee (44) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) and guard Terry Rozier (2) defend LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

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By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

MIAMI — The Los Angeles Clippers have been on the road for nearly two weeks, forced from their home building because of the Grammy Awards.

It hasn’t slowed the Clippers down whatsoever.

Kawhi Leonard had 25 points and 11 rebounds, James Harden scored 16 of his 21 points in the second half and the Clippers remained red-hot by topping the sliding Miami Heat 103-95 on Sunday night. They improved to 5-1 on their seven-game, 11-day trip that ends Monday night in Atlanta.

“You get those mental blocks at this stage but we’ve been staying afloat,” Leonard said. “Appreciate everybody coming out and playing and staying locked-in. Those are the things that I’m happy about.”

The Clippers are more than “staying afloat.” They are 25-5 since the start of December — by far the best record in the NBA over that span. Harden flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 11 assists and eight assists. Norman Powell scored 16 points and Paul George added 11 for the Clippers.

“It’s just having that mindset that we’re going to try to win every game,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “I give guys credit. They’ve been doing that. We have a lot of talent. We have a lot of guys willing to sacrifice to do whatever it takes to win, and that’s what we did.”

Jimmy Butler scored 21 points and Terry Rozier finished with 17 for the Heat, who fell to 2-8 in their last 10. Bam Adebayo and Josh Richardson each had 14 points for Miami.

“We have to figure out how to make it flow,” Adebayo said. “You have to make it flow or it’s not going to work. … We’ve been in worse situations.”

Adebayo grabbed 13 rebounds and Caleb Martin scored 11 points for Miami, which played without its two best 3-point shooters. Duncan Robinson remains in the NBA’s concussion protocols and Tyler Herro was slated to start Sunday, then was a very late scratch after being diagnosed with a migraine.

Miami was held under 100 points for the 12th time this season. The Heat are 2-10 in those games; only Portland and Charlotte have more such games this season.

“There are some things offensively you can do with better pace and better intention,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “That’s not exclusive to us. And we’ll work on that and we’ll get better.”

The teams combined for seven first-half fouls, the fewest in any NBA game this season. The 43 points was a season-low for the Clippers and tied the third-fewest by halftime for the Heat. And the 86 combined points by the break was the sixth-fewest out of more than 700 games played so far this season.

But the second half saw every offensive number tip the Clippers’ way. They shot 50% to Miami’s 42%, outscored the Heat 27-12 from the 3-point line and were 17 for 20 from the foul line — compared with Miami’s 6 for 6.

UP NEXT

Clippers: At Atlanta on Monday night.

Heat: Host Orlando on Tuesday night.

Russell Westbrook reaches 25,000-point milestone as Clippers beat Pistons

The Associated Press — Sat, 03 Feb 2024 02:47:45 +0000

Clippers guard Russell Westbrook leaves the court after scoring his 25,000th career point during their victory over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard drives as Detroit Pistons guard Alec Burks defends during the second half on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, left, drives as Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard defends during the first half on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey drives past Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard on his way to the basket during the first half on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Clippers guard Norman Powell handles the ball during the second half of their game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard handles the ball during the second half of their game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Pistons guard Monte Morris, left, shoots as Clippers guard Russell Westbrook defends during the first half on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
The Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham, right, tries to get around Clippers guard Russell Westbrook during the first half on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook handles the ball during the second half of their game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham drives as Clippers center Mason Plumlee defends during the first half on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Clippers forward Paul George, left, protects the ball from Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren during the first half on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey drives as Clippers star Paul George defends during the first half on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey, center, drives between Clippers stars Paul George (13), James Harden (1) and Kawhi Leonard, far right, during the first half on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard handles the ball during the second half of their game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Pistons head coach Monty Williams watches from the sideline during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
The Detroit Pistons’ Jaden Ivey drives to the basket past Clippers star Kawhi Leonard during the first half on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook brings the ball up the court during the second half of their game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
The Detroit Pistons’ Marcus Sasser drives to the basket past Clippers guard Russell Westbrook during the first half on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham gets to the basket for a layup as Clippers star Kawhi Leonard defends during the first half on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George brings the ball up the court during the second half of their game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
The Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham, right, talks to teammate Jaden Ivey during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic drives as Clippers guard Russell Westbrook defends during the first half on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Clippers guard Terance Mann dunks in front of the Detroit Pistons’ Bojan Bogdanovic during the second half on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook drives up the court past the Detroit Pistons’ Jaden Ivey during the second half on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook shoots over Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic during the second half on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue directs his players from the sideline during the second half of their game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Clippers guard James Harden drives between Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren, left, and Cade Cunningham during the second half on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Clippers guard James Harden celebrates a basket during the second half of their game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George drives as Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham defends during the second half on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook shoots as Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey defends during the second half on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Clippers guard Norman Powell drives to the basket next to the Detroit Pistons’ Alec Burks during the second half on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook chases the ball after it was knocked out of his hands by the Detroit Pistons’ Jaden Ivey, right, during the second half on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Amir Coffey shoots in front of Detroit Pistons forward Danilo Gallinari during the second half on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Clippers guard Amir Coffey takes a shot in front of the Detroit Pistons’ Danilo Gallinari, left, during the second half on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Terance Mann takes a shot as the Detroit Pistons’ James Wiseman defends during the second half on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook drives to the basket between a group of Detroit Pistons during the second half on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook dunks during the second half of their game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Clippers forward Paul George scores as Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham defends during the second half on Friday night in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook gets to the basket for a layup in front of the Detroit Pistons’ Jaden Ivey to score his 25,000th career point during the second half on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook smiles after scoring his 25,000th career point during the second half of their game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, left, celebrates with James Harden as he exits during the second half of their game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in Detroit. Westbrook joined Harden as two of the 25 NBA players to have scored 25,000 career points. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, left, celebrates with teammate James Harden after scoring his 25,000th career point during the second half of their game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in Detroit. Harden reached the milestone earlier this season. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers center Daniel Theis dunks in front of the Detroit Pistons’ Danilo Gallinari during the second half on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook, right, celebrates with teammate James Harden, left, and Detroit Pistons assistant coach Mark Bryant after scoring his 25,000th career point during the second half of their game against the Pistons on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Russell Westbrook leaves the court after scoring his 25,000th career point during their victory over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night in Detroit. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

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By DAVE HOGG The Associated Press

DETROIT — Russell Westbrook has added his name to another exclusive club.

Westbrook scored 23 points to become the 25th player in NBA history with 25,000 points, Kawhi Leonard had 21 of his 33 points in the first half and the Clippers put on an offensive show in a 136-125 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Friday night.

Westbrook, who also had nine assists, joined teammate James Harden on the list of players to score 25,000 points after Harden accomplished the feat in December. Westbrook reached the mark on his final basket, a running layup with 2:44 left.

“I’m so grateful to be on this team,” said Westbrook, who immediately fouled Cade Cunningham after his basket and celebrated with his teammates near the bench. “I don’t take any of this for granted. I give thanks to God for allowing me to be able to play the game I love. It’s a blessing. I’m grateful to be able to play the game of basketball and use my platform to impact and inspire other people.”

Westbrook – the NBA’s career leader in triple-doubles (198) – joined Lakers star LeBron James as the only other player in NBA history with at least 25,000 points, 9,000 assists, and 8,000 rebounds.

“It says a lot about the work he’s put in in his career,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “It’s a tribute to him and his hard work, his style of play. He brings it every single night. No matter what, you can always count on that energy and that juice every single night.”

The Clippers got off to a slow start while trailing by as many as 14 points in the first quarter, but scored 109 points in the final three periods. They shot 59.6% from the floor and 48.3% on 3-pointers.

“We had a bunch of defensive mistakes at the start of the game,” Lue said. “We weren’t guarding their shooters the way we planned, but we started paying attention to detail after the first timeout. Monty (Williams) has the Pistons playing pretty good basketball, but it is tough to close games with such a young team.”

Paul George added 18 points for the Clippers, who have won seven of eight and are a league-best 23-5 since Dec. 1.

George played 27:20 after missing the previous game with groin soreness.

“He looked good,” Lue said. “We were going to play him more minutes, but we didn’t need him.”

Jalen Ivey had 28 points and Bojan Bogdanovic added 26 for Detroit, which is 4-41 after a 2-1 start. Marcus Sasser added 21 points.

“You can’t have turnovers and some of the undisciplined errors we had against a team like that,” said Williams, whose team allowed 25 points on 17 rebounds. “It’s something that has hurt us all season long. When we take care of (the ball), we have a better chance of success.”

The Clippers led 65-59 at the half and their scoring pace didn’t let up in the third. Leonard reached 30 points with five minutes left in the quarter when he put them ahead 89-80.

Detroit answered with an 8-0 run before Westbrook hit a 3-pointer. Norman Powell’s last-second 3-pointer gave the Clippers a 101-90 lead going into the fourth.

Powell started the fourth with another 3-pointer, and the Clippers led 108-90 after the first minute of the fourth. Detroit got within 116-109, but the Clippers scored nine points in 74 seconds to ice the game.

Westbrook and Ivey had a brief conversation at the end of the game.

“I actually got to work out with Russ before the start of my rookie year,” Ivey said. “He gave me a lot of advice. He’s just a great, humble dude. He took me under his wing a little bit.”

UP NEXT

The Clippers play at the Miami Heat on Sunday at 3 p.m. PT.

CAREER POINT 25,000 FOR RUSS @LAClippers | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/bHvTO3dPjd

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) February 3, 2024

Russ reflects on scoring 25,000⃣ career points with the game ball in hand.

@Kristina_Pink @LAClippers | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/0CCNOvKf82

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) February 3, 2024

"He brings it every single game" – Coach Lue on Russell Westbrook's amazing night & career.@LAClippers | #ClipperNation pic.twitter.com/vbGk4dekH1

— Bally Sports West (@BallySportWest) February 3, 2024

Kawhi Leonard scores 33 as the @LAClippers stay red-hot, winning their 8th game over the last 9!

33 PTS
12/17 FGM
6/8 3PM pic.twitter.com/QNVcI1rb1O

— NBA (@NBA) February 3, 2024

First teammates to hit 25K in the same season pic.twitter.com/mQX6YuqmL0

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 3, 2024

Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard, Paul George named All-Star reserves

Janis Carr — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:59:04 +0000

Kawhi Leonard and Paul George were named Western Conference reserves for the 2024 NBA All-Star Games, the league announced Thursday.

Leonard, the 2020 All-Star Game MVP, who will be making his sixth appearance, and George, a nine-time All-Star, were chosen from among a crowded group of talented frontcourt players in the West. The 73rd All-Star Game will be played Feb. 18 in Indianapolis.

Both Leonard and George, who are healthy, have been crucial to the Clippers’ turnaround this season. Leonard, 32, is shooting a career-best 52.6% from the floor to go with 43.9% from 3-point range and 88.4% from the free-throw line. He is averaging 23.9 points and 1.7 steals, third-best in the league.

In the past 25 games, Leonard has shot 57% from the field, 50% from beyond the 3-point line and 90% from the foul line, crucial to the Clippers’ turnaround from a 3-7 start to the 31-15 record they had through Thursday.

George, 33, is averaging 23.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season, having played in 43 of the team’s 46 games. The versatile wing is making 41.2% of his shots from 3-point range (matching his career-best) and a career-high 90.9% of his free throws.

An argument might have been made for James Harden to earn his 11th All-Star nod, having appeared in every midseason game from 2013-22. The point guard is averaging 17.5 points and 8.5 assists, the fifth-best mark in the NBA this season.

Last year, he led the league in assists (10.7) but didn’t make the 2023 All-Star team.

“If it happens, it happens,” Harden told reporters after Wednesday’s victory at Washington.

The other Western Conference reserves are Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry (10th selection), Lakers center Anthony Davis (ninth selection), Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker and Minnesota Timberwolves teammates Anthony Edwards and Karl Anthony Towns.

The Eastern Conference reserves are the Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown, Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, New York Knicks teammates Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo and Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero.

The All-Star reserves are selected by the league’s head coaches. The coaches vote for two guards, three frontcourt players and two players at any position in their respective conferences. NBA commissioner Adam Silver will choose injury replacements, with Randle almost certainly out with a dislocated shoulder.

The starters were announced last week. The West starters are the Lakers’ LeBron James, Denver’s Nikola Jokic and Kevin Durant of Phoenix in the frontcourt, along with guards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City and Luka Doncic of Dallas.

The East starters are Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, Philadelphia center Joel Embiid, Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton.