The Los Angeles Clippers beat the Chicago Bulls 108-103 during the NBA’s Tuesday night slate, fueled by 33 points from Kawhi Leonard and 27 from Norman Powell. The Clippers, who have won six of seven, were led by Paul George’s 16 points and 10 rebounds.
The Bulls dropped the first of a four-game homestand behind 23 points and 14 rebounds from Nikola Vucevic. DeMar DeRozan added 20 points, and Zach LaVine had 18 points and 14 rebounds.
After three quarters, the Clippers led 85-84 and never trailed in the fourth. Leonard stole the ball from LaVine and made two free throws with 5.2 seconds left to seal the victory.
“That’s the reason we’ve been winning, because our defense has picked it up and carried us,” George said. “I think we caught our rhythm because of our defense and were able to stay in the game.”
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The Clippers held some significant advantages to fuel their victory. Los Angeles recorded 15 steals and forced 20 turnovers overall by Chicago, two shy of the Bulls’ worst mark of the season. Against the Bulls’ reserves alone, Powell outscored them 27-20.
“He’s instant offense,” coach Tyronn Lue said. “Just come in the game, and he can get it going quick. He was huge for us tonight.”
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After trailing by 19 points midway through the second quarter, the Clippers ended the half down just 58-54 thanks to a 16-2 run.
“No matter how you lose, it sucks. Period,” DeRozan said. “A team like that, veteran guys, extremely well coached, they’re not going to give up.”
For Los Angeles, Ivica Zubac scored 14 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.