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01/27 23:56 CST Clippers beat the Jazz 115-103 behind Leonard's 25th straight
game with more than 20 points
Clippers beat the Jazz 115-103 behind Leonard's 25th straight game with more
than 20 points
By MATTHEW COLES
Associated Press
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) --- Kawhi Leonard scored 21 points, James Harden had 16
points and 10 assists, and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Utah Jazz 115-103
on Tuesday night for their ninth win in 10 games.
Kris Dunn added 14 points and a season-best five steals for the Clippers
(22-24), who have the best record in the NBA since Christmas. They have won 16
of their last 19 games --- immediately after going 3-16 in their previous 19.
The Clippers took control during a 10-2 run in the third quarter powered
powered by Dunn's two steals and layups, along with a 3-pointer that made it
73-61. Los Angeles led by double figures the rest of the way.
Utah's Lauri Markkanen returned after missing seven games due to illness to
score 19 points on 5-for-15 shooting.
Ace Bailey scored 20 points and Brice Sensabaugh added 13 but the Jazz (15-32)
have dropped seven of their last eight games.
With Leonard on the court, the Clippers are 14-2 in their last 16 games and
have won seven straight.
Leonard has scored at least 20 points in 25 consecutive games. He joins Bob
McAdoo, World B. Free and Blake Griffin as the only players in franchise
history with such a streak.
The Jazz were missing their top two playmakers in Jusuf Nurkic (illness), who
has had three straight triple-doubles, and Keyonte George (rest), who has
averaged 28.8 points in the last five games.
The Jazz scored the first 10 points of the game and led 54-53 at halftime, but
the Clippers defense tightened up and forced 10 steals and several shot clock
violations.
Utah committed 17 turnovers which led to 23 points for Los Angeles. Although
the Clippers play at the league's slowest pace, they still topped the Jazz in
fast-break points 12-8.
Up next Clippers: Visit Denver on Friday. Jazz: Host Golden State on Wednesday. ___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba |
