LA Clippers register third win in a row by defeating Miami

In his injury comeback, Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points, Paul George added 23, and the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Miami Heat 121-104 on Monday night to win three games in a row. After going 11-2 in December to record the best record in the West for the month, the Clippers continued their success into the new year. James Harden finished with 15 points and 10 assists, while Norman Powell scored 22 points off the bench.

Kawhi Leonard

After missing four games due to a hip contusion, Leonard returned. With him out, the Clippers managed to hold things down, winning 2-2. Leonard reached 13,000 career points with a dunk to start the fourth quarter. Before being replaced for the last 5:43 of the game, he finished with six rebounds and five assists. When he was scoreless in the first, Leonard had a slow start, missing both of his shot attempts. However, Leonard came to play during the second quarter, scoring 13 points, including 10 consecutive ones, as the Clippers overcame a 14-point deficit to take a 59-58 lead into the half.

Leading the Heat with 21 points and 15 rebounds was Bam Adebayo. Coming off the bench, Kevin Love scored 17 more points. After missing time due to a head contusion, Kyle Lowry made a comeback and scored eight points.

Miami Heat missing multiple players

Caleb Martin (ankle), Josh Richardson (back), and Jimmy Butler (foot) were among the Miami players absent. Butler was hurt on Saturday at Utah. He will continue to receive treatment even though an X-ray revealed no damage. Before then, he had missed four games due to a strained calf.

In the third quarter, the Clippers outscored Miami 14–8 to take a one-point lead to 73–63. Terance Mann and Harden each had five points. They had a 10-point lead again after George made back-to-back 3-pointers during a personal 8-0 run. The Heat led 35–23 at the half thanks to 19 points apiece from reserve Duncan Robinson and Love.