Kawhi Leonard, Clippers outlast Hawks to finish 6-1 trip
Leonard scores 11 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter, James Harden finishes with 30 points and 10 assists and the red-hot Clippers cap their 13-day trip with a 149-144 win, improving to 26-5 since Nov. 30
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 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)
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!
