Kawhi Leonard Helps the Clippers Beat the Grizzlies 128-114
Kawhi Leonard led the Los Angeles Clippers to a 128-114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night in Inglewood, California, with 25 points in a season-high 34 minutes. In addition to Norman Powell’s 18 points, James Harden scored 18 points and dished out 10 assists. The Clippers won at the Intuit Dome after gaining control of the game with a commanding 36-point third quarter.
The Grizzlies had the league’s top-scoring offence (123.5 points per game) going into the contest, but they had to find other ways to score because they were without their star point guard. Just before tipoff, the two-time All-Star, who averages 20.7 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.3 rebounds, was declared out due to knee pain.
The Clippers, who are third in points allowed per game (1078.8) and steals (9.4), exploited poor games and suffocated Memphis’ offence, and this absence ultimately proved to be the Grizzlies’ undoing.
In the third quarter, the Clippers, driven by James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, increased their lead to 23 points, which was too much for the Grizzlies, who were without Ja Morant.
Ivica Zubac had a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds, and Norman Powell scored 18 points.
On the second night of a back-to-back, Memphis was without Ja Morant due to a knee injury, but Desmond Bane scored 16 of his 23 points in the first quarter for the Grizzlies. Jaylen Wells scored eighteen more points. Santi Aldama scored 14 points, while GG Jackson scored 15.
With his 26,974th point from a three-pointer in the third quarter, Harden passed Hakeem Olajuwon to take sole possession of 13th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring record.
The Clippers scored 41 points as a result of Memphis’ 22 turnovers. Out of the last three games, the Grizzlies have lost one.
The Clippers, one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, kept the Grizzlies below their season average by forcing 21 turnovers, scoring 41 points off of them, and grabbing 17 steals.
After joining the Clippers at the trade deadline from the Atlanta Hawks, Bogdan Bogdanovic made his debut. To considerable hoopla, the three-point expert made his first three-point effort and made it.
Key Takeaways
Grizzlies: At the All-Star break, the Grizzlies are 36-18. The extended vacation ends on February 20 when Memphis travels for three games over four days.
Clippers: After being acquired from Atlanta after the trade deadline, Bogdan Bogdanovic scored seven points in his Clippers debut. Ben Simmons, who was welcomed to the audience from the bench and may make his Clippers debut on Thursday, was signed on Saturday when Brooklyn bought out his contract.
Key moment
The Clippers led 88-70 after Leonard’s 3-pointer with 7:07 left in the third quarter completed a 10-0 run. For the fourth time in 15 games this season, he scored at least 20 points.
Key stat
Harden passed Hakeem Olajuwon and took sole possession of 13th place on the NBA career chart with a 3-pointer in the third quarter. Harden’s point total is 26,949.
Next up
On February 20, the Grizzlies visit Indiana. This Thursday, the Clippers will visit Utah.
